"Winger Tyler Kennedy found an empathetic and knowledgeable teammate for discussions about the concussion that will force him to miss his eighth game in a row Thursday night when the Penguins play the San Jose Sharks.

Team captain Sidney Crosby has been out since Jan. 5 because of a concussion, although he seems to be getting close to returning.

"Sid's like a doctor when it comes to concussions," Kennedy said Wednesday. "I've talked to him and opened up to him. He's got some great insight.""