"Want the truth about Sidney Crosby?

OK, you'll have it.

Let's start with three critical things you should know about the Penguins' captain, based upon conversations I've had the past few days:

1. He isn't fine.

Not yet, anyway.

He's still experiencing trouble with balance, and he isn't sure why. He doesn't even know if it's related to a concussion. More than anything, he's exasperated by a lack of answers.

2. He desperately wants to play.

It's preposterous to even type such a thing, but sadly -- and stupidly -- there are people accusing Crosby of skipping out on playing, both in the public and in the Penguins' locker room. Ray Shero actually felt the need to address it Thursday, saying, "This is a player that's not medically cleared to play.""