Crosby's back in town, slowly getting better

by Lori Pometo
Pittsburgh, take a deep breath. Sidney Crosby is back in town. We can now stop the rumor mills because Sidney Crosby has not been abducted by aliens, fled to Switzerland or been crossed off the roster for the rest of the season (as some have questioned). Nor, was he ditching his teammates by not being around the past week. He is back from a much needed (mental) vacation to relax and spend time with his family.

When asked yesterday during his first news conference in a few weeks, Crosby said, "It was more or less to get away from the everyday questions and that kind of thing."



He also mentioned that he was here in town during the All Star break when the other guys were elsewhere. Crosby's doctor suggested he get a change of pace to help clear his mind.



"Geeze, I hope so." was Sid's quick response when asked if he would play again this season. As much as he understands that his situation isn't one that can be nailed to a timeline, Crosby hasn't let that discourage his optimism about getting back to his game, "I'm expecting to play this year."



"I’m getting better. It’s just slow," Crosby said. “That’s the tough part, the progression and everything is improving. It’s just at a slower rate than I want it to be. It’s out of my control. You just hope with time, the quicker the better."



The topic of Crosby's concussion is making fans and the media alike a little bit stir crazy, chomping at the bit to see #87 back in action. It's no surprise that Pittsburgh wants its number one player, whom, after missing 14 games is still one of the highest (4th) ranked players in the NHL, back on the ice. So does he, but rushing his return could lead to some serious repercussions for Crosby physically and possibly even professionally. As much as we all want him back, leading his team again and making us revel in his super human capabilities, it will serve Pittsburgh and the Penguins much more to have a 100% healthy Sidney Crosby on the ice-whenever that may be.