Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Rumors

Pens' roster moves could mean return soon for Staal
February 9
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Penguins have returned forwards Colin McDonald and Jason Williams to their farm team in Wilkes-Barre. Those moves suggest that center Jordan Staal, who is recovering from a knee injury, might be ready to come off injured-reserve and rejoin the lineup this weekend when the Penguins have home games against Winnipeg and Tampa Bay."
Sidney Crosby could reap $20M if injuries force retirement
February 8
Toronto Star
 
"If Sidney Crosby's vexing concussion problems force him to retire, the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar is in line for a $20-million payday, thanks to a permanent disability insurance contract he purchased several years ago. Crosby, 24, is among the many high-profile and highly paid NHL players who have extensive insurance policies to complement their existing playing contracts. NHL players still receive their paychecks if they're forced out of the lineup with injuries sustained during games or practices. But off-ice insurance policies provide a financial cushion for players in case they are injured away from the rink."
Staal is out tonight, but return is near
February 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Jordan Staal isn't the biggest name on the Penguins' injured list. He isn't even the biggest name center there. But he is the one who figures to be the first to get back in their lineup. Staal, who has missed the past 14 games because of a knee injury, will sit out the game with Montreal tonight at the Bell Centre, but practiced with his teammates Monday and should be back in uniform within "five to 10 days," according to coach Dan Bylsma ."
Sid takes another step, skating with teammates
February 6
NHL.com
 
"Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby took another step in his attempt to return from his latest injury, skating Monday with teammates in Montreal. It's the first time Crosby has skated with teammates since concussion symptoms started following a game against the Boston Bruins on Dec. 5. Last week, the penguins announced that an independent doctor had found that Crosby suffered some soft-tissue damage in his neck area, which may have contributed to some of the concussion-like symptoms. According to the Penguins' website, Crosby skated on a line with Steve Sullivan and Cal O'Reilly during Monday's practice at the Bell Centre. The Penguins play the Canadiens on Tuesday night."
Penguins sign Vitale to 2-year deal
February 4
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Penguins have signed Joe Vitale to a two-year contract extension, running through the 2013-14 season, worth $550,000 per season. Vitale, 26, is a hard-working center who made the team out of training camp. He has three goals, 10 points in 44 games."
Crosby joins Despres and Staal on ice
January 31
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Sidney Crosby skated with a couple of injured teammates Monday afternoon at Consol Energy Center. When he's on the ice there in a game might hinge on the findings of what coach Dan Bylsma described as an "independent physician" who is evaluating Crosby's medical situation, including a newly discovered neck injury. Bylsma said that, as of Monday evening, the team had not received that report and that "until that time, there won't be an update on his condition""
Crosby exam results might come today
January 30
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The NHL All-Star Game played out in normal fashion Sunday at Scotiabank Place. A night earlier, health news about Sidney Crosby fairly well upstaged the skills challenge. On the day of the main event, though, there was no update about Crosby, the Penguins center and captain who for most of the past 13 months has been dealing with a concussion, symptoms associated with concussions and now news of a neck injury from some point that was discovered last week, an undetermined time after it apparently healed. No one from the club addressed Crosby's status Sunday."
Crosby in California to see spine specialist
January 23
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Sidney Crosby's rehabilitation from concussion symptoms has headed west. The Penguins star is in California receiving treatment from Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist. He spent most of last week in Atlanta with Ted Carrick, a chiropractor who aided his recovery from a concussion last summer. "I think this is a good thing," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said Saturday. "He's just going for more therapy. He's doing everything he can to get back to play." Shero said Crosby had a positive week with Carrick. Crosby has said his current problems are related to motion and balance issues while skating."
Letang moves closer to return to lineup
January 18
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"There were days Kris Letang struggled to get out of bed. Bouts of dizziness and nausea plagued him. "It was really tough," the Penguins top defenseman said Tuesday after joining his teammates on the ice for the first time in weeks. "I went through a month with a lot of symptoms." Letang has recovered from a concussion and is medically cleared. He participated in the morning skate but was not in the lineup against Carolina at Consol Energy Center. He said he needs to practice a bit more but sounded as if he could play before the All-Star break that starts late next week."
Letang set to return to Penguins
January 17
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins general manager Ray Shero said today that defenseman Kris Letang not only will join the team Tuesday for a game-day skate but also is medically cleared for contact and games after recovering from a concussion. Letang will not play Tuesday night when the Penguins face Carolina at Consol Energy Center, but it could be soon."
Crosby practices, but no return is imminent
January 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Penguins center Sidney Crosby skated for a second consecutive day -- this time in an organized practice. Three reasons contributed to Crosby's decision to practice Saturday at the Tampa Bay Lightning practice facility: • Crosby felt fine following a 30-minute skate Friday in Sunrise, Fla. • The Penguins only had access to ice in Tampa for a short time, leaving Crosby no time to skate individually before or after practice. • Penguins coach Dan Bylsma already had determined yesterday's practice wouldn't be physically demanding. "It was noncontact out there," Bylsma said, "so it wasn't any different (for Crosby) than yesterday.""
James Neal to play tonight for Penguins
January 10
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Penguins actually received some good injury news today. Right wing James Neal, the team's leading goal scorer, does not have a broken foot and will play tonight against Ottawa. Two days earlier, coach Dan Bylsma said Neal was out "weeks, not days." However, what originally appeared to be a fracture on X-rays was actually a pre-existing injury. "I'm good to go," said Neal, who explained he will simply deal with any pain that comes with the injury."
Staal, Neal to miss significant time for Pens
January 8
NHL.com
 
"Just when the Pittsburgh Penguins' injury list seemingly couldn't grow any longer, add two more very prominent names: Jordan Staal and James Neal. An already bad weekend for the Penguins became much worse Sunday when they learned that Staal, an elite two-way center enjoying the best season of his career, will be out for four to six weeks with a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee. He is not expected to undergo surgery. If that injury wasn't devastating enough to a slumping team that has lost four in a row, Neal will be out for what coach Dan Bylsma said will be "weeks" with a broken foot. Neal, fifth in the NHL with 21 goals, was struck in the foot by a Henrik Tallinder"
Crosby season over?
January 6
Sportsnet.ca
 columnist Nick Kypreos
"Sidney Crosby's season is over. This, of course, is not official but is my opinion based on two factors – his long-term health and the potential of a new contract. As I've stated many times on Hockey Central, Crosby's secondary concussion is far and away more concerning than the original one. This was not a discussion we were supposed to have this early after his return; at least not according to Crosby's medical team, which features some of the best concussion doctors in the world. On Sept. 7, 2011, doctors explained that waiting nearly a year was necessary to get the "Ferrari" in a position to avoid any secondary concussions."
Crosby likely to be out for an extended period
December 29
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"It doesn't appear as if Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby will return to the lineup anytime soon. Crosby continues to do light workouts and still is experiencing some concussion symptoms, coach Dan Bylsma said Wednesday. It was the first update on the team's top player since Crosby spoke publicly Dec. 12, and it means he has not made much if any progress in the interim. He said then that he had some headaches and other symptoms but had passed an ImPACT neurocognitive exam and was optimistic he would not be out for as long as he initially was with the injury."
Malkin, Staal uncertain for depleted Penguins
December 13
NHL.com
 
"Evgeni Malkin has become an unexpected addition to the Pittsburgh Penguins' ever-growing injury list that, once again, is headed by star Sidney Crosby. Malkin, who missed seven games earlier this season following right knee surgery, missed the morning skate in advance of Tuesday night's interconference game against the Detroit Red Wings. Coach Dan Bylsma didn't offer an explanation, and said Malkin would be a game-time decision. Malkin practiced Monday with no apparent problems. Jordan Staal, the Penguins' all-important No. 3 center, missed that practice with an unspecified lower-body injury but took part in the morning skate."
Crosby out indefinitely again with concussion-like symptoms
December 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby said today he is experiencing a recurrence of concussion-like symptoms and will be held out of practice and games until that situation improves. "I don't think 'frustrating' even describes it," said Crosby, who has 12 points in eight games since he returned from a concussion that knocked him out of the lineup for 61 games and nearly 11 months. Crosby said he is doing light workouts and will have to go through a similar progression -- skating, practicing, practicing with contact -- before he is cleared to return to the lineup. However, he noted that, "I'm way better off than I was 10 months ago.""
Crosby's status for Detroit game Tuesday unresolved
December 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby is not practicing with the club today at Consol Energy Center. His status for Tuesday's home game against Detroit and beyond is not clear. He is expected to speak to reporters at some point today. Crosby was held out of the past two games because of a headache and perhaps other problems. He missed 61 earlier games because of a concussion and has 12 points in eight games since his return last month."
Pens' Crosby misses practice, should be fine
December 7
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Penguins center Sidney Crosby was excused from an optional practice Tuesday at Consol Energy Center, but his knee injury doesn't appear to be serious. Crosby was well enough to stand in the bench area and address a crowd of about 8,000 noisy students from 56 area schools who watched practice. Coach Dan Bylsma attributed the absence of Crosby and seven of his teammates to a "maintenance day." Bylsma typically allows players with minor ailments to skip practice, especially the day after a night game. Crosby banged knees with forward Craig Kunitz in the third period of the 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Monday."
Pens' Letang, Michalek diagnosed with concussions
December 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Penguins coach Dan Bylsma confirmed this morning that defensemen Kris Letang and Zbynek Michalek have both been diagnosed with concussions. Both were injured on Nov. 27 in Montreal. It was originally unclear if either had a concussion following initial tests, but more procedures over the weekend confirmed the respective concussions."
Crosby taking ice tonight for Penguins against Islanders, ending long recuperation from a concussion
November 21
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Sidney Crosby will appear in his 413th National Hockey League game tonight at Consol Energy Center. It might not seem like it, though. Not to what could be the most-energized crowd in the young arena's history. And certainly not to Mr. Crosby, who has not participated in one since being diagnosed with a concussion Jan. 6. For that reason, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Sunday that Mr. Crosby, 24, figures to experience the emotions and excitement of a player competing at this level for the first time. "He's been wanting to play hockey for long time," Mr. Bylsma said."
Crosby cleared for comeback
November 20
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Call it a comeback. Actually, call it The Comeback. Penguins center Sidney Crosby will play Monday night against the New York Islanders at Consol Energy Center, the team announced today. In a statement it was said that Crosby would speak Monday morning after a practice. He has not played since Jan. 5 because of a concussion."
Penguins defenseman feeling heat
November 19
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Is Penguins defenseman Paul Martin a $5 million problem or a $5 million player? The statistics indicate that Martin has been a weak link on one of the NHL's best defensive groups. Coach Dan Bylsma and assistant coach Todd Reirden, however, vehemently came to Martin's defense during the Penguins' Florida swing. Both believe his current funk will pass and that Martin remains an essential ingredient to the Penguins' success on the blue line despite being a minus-10 through 19 games. "That's not a great number for him right now," Bylsma said. "But I'm not going to be surprised if, at Game 40, he's even." Martin, one of the NHL's smoothest skating defensemen, has lost an uncharacteristic number"
Penguins recall MacIntyre, demote Tangradi
November 17
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Penguins recalled rugged winger Steve MacIntyre from his conditioning assignment with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. MacIntyre played four games with Wilkes-Barre. He practiced with the Penguins this morning at Consol Energy Center."
Crosby on trip; won't play tonight
November 17
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been ruled out of the game tonight at Tampa Bay. Beyond that? "Any speculation further away is not going to happen at this time," coach Dan Bylsma said Wednesday. "He will be with us on the trip." The Penguins also will play Saturday at Florida before they have a three-game homestand next week. Crosby has been out since Jan. 5 because of a concussion. He has been cleared for full contact for more than a month and continues to look strong and at ease in practice while he waits for clearance to play."
Crosby comeback still on hold for Penguins
November 15
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Penguins, despite their strong start, remain only a side act to hockey's hottest star. Thing is, Sidney Crosby still isn't playing. His comeback will not happen tonight against the Colorado Avalanche at Consol Energy Center, but even that was a subject of confusion Monday after his team practiced. A recap: >> Crosby took the place of injured left winger Steve Sullivan on a line with center Evgeni Malkin and right wing James Neal during the approximately 70-minute practice at Consol Energy Center. >> He was the last skater to leave the ice after working individual drills with backup goalie Brent Johnson. >> He declined to speak with the media upon entering the dressing room. "Nothing's"
Crosby out Tuesday vs. Avalanche
November 14
NHL.com
 
"Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said the team will make an announcement before Sidney Crosby plays again, but there was no such message coming Monday. Crosby, the Penguins' captain who hasn't played since suffering a concussion in January, will not play Tuesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Colorado Avalanche. "We stated we will let (the media) know when he is playing," Bylsma said. "It's not going to be a secret. I'm not telling anything else other than there is no change in his status.""
Crosby won't play for Penguins this weekend
November 10
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Sidney Crosby will not play this weekend. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma announced that Crosby will not play against the Dallas Stars on Friday, nor will he play in Raleigh on Saturday night. There had been heavy speculation from outside the organization that he might make his return from a concussion this weekend. "I will confirm that Sidney is not playing in the next two games," Bylsma said. "He had a good week of practice. He is progressing. We aren't keeping a secret. When he's going to play, we'll make sure we let you know.""
Pens' Crosby refuses to speak about return
November 10
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The national hockey media began infiltrating Pittsburgh on Wednesday, but its center of attention hardly rolled out the welcome mat. Center Sidney Crosby declined to speak after the Penguins practiced at Consol Energy Center. His reasoning, relayed through a senior member of general manager Ray Shero's hockey operations staff: Nothing has changed since Monday. It was then that Crosby did not dismiss the possibility of Friday marking his return to NHL games — though, as Penguins coach Dan Bylsma reiterated yesterday, there remains "no timetable for (Crosby's) return." The Penguins host the Dallas Stars on Friday."
Crosby gets ton of contact in practice
November 10
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby has said he wanted more contact in practice for evaluation purposes, and he got quite a bit Wednesday. Although he was not part of any huge collisions, Crosby was bumped and jostled repeatedly in a practice at Consol Energy Center that lasted 75 minutes, plus more time for Crosby and others who chose to stay on the ice longer. The Penguins, taking advantage of a lull in their schedule, had one-on-one battles in front of the net and long, intense five-on-five, single-zone drills. "He shows a great willingness to initiate and go to the net, look for that type of situation, whether it's one-on-one, two-on-one, three-on-two, whether he is expecting to"
Still no word when Crosby will return to competition for Penguins
November 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Sidney Crosby has heard the speculation. Couldn't have missed it if he had tried, really. That's because for the past few weeks, it has seemed as if every Penguins partisan with vocal cords and/or a keyboard -- for that matter, almost everyone with even a passing interest in the NHL -- has been pointing to a game Friday night against the Dallas Stars at Consol Energy Center as the likely time for Crosby to return from the concussion that has prevented him from playing since Jan. 5. And truth be told, that date makes sense, at least on some levels."
Crosby not set for Friday return
November 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Penguins center Sidney Crosby practiced today, but said he has not identified Friday as the date for his NHL return. "Nothing (has) changed," he said. Crosby addressed media speculation that he would play Friday against Dallas at Consol Energy Center. "I guess they know more than I do," he said, cracking a smile. "I haven't really thought about that. I've thought more about just getting through this week. (Playing Friday) is a possibility, just like the other however many games left there are (is a possibility).""
Penguins return Bortuzzo to American Hockey League
November 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Penguins today returned defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. Bortuzzo made his NHL debut Saturday in the Penguins' 3-2 shootout win at Los Angeles. The Penguins are off until Friday."
Crosby returns early to Pittsburgh for medical appointment
November 6
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby left the club's West Coast trip early, returning Saturday to Pittsburgh so he could go to a medical appointment. The club stressed that Crosby's appointment did not represent a major development -- such as a setback or a specific step forward -- in his recovery from a concussion that has kept him out of games since January. "There's no timetable. There's no date. There's no point in the future worth talking about yet," coach Dan Bylsma said. "Just a scheduled appointment." Crosby's appointment originally was scheduled for Monday. The team is practicing that day and then is planning a special outing later that day and Tuesday at a regional resort."
Penguins lose Lovejoy with broken wrist
November 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Penguins defenseman Ben Lovejoy is out indefinitely with a broken wrist. Lovejoy was involved in a collision with San Jose centers Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture along the boards when the injury took place. The Penguins were forced to play most of the game with only five defensemen. Defenseman Alexandre Picard is on the trip and will play Saturday in Los Angeles."
Defenseman Picard gets call up to NHL by Penguins
November 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Defenseman Alexandre Picard received the call he had been waiting for when the Penguins recalled him from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton during their West Coast road trip. Although Picard was essentially brought in to provide insurance for banged up defenseman Kris Letang, the veteran of five NHL teams was pleased to travel to San Jose and hopes to get playing time. "That's the mindset you have to have when you get called up," Picard said. "I was happy to get the call.""
Penguins' Kennedy practices without contact
November 3
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"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.""
Penguins' Crosby rules out games on upcoming trip
November 1
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Asked about the amount of contact he has had in practice the past few weeks, Sidney Crosby smiled. "Uh, three hits?" he said, then laughed. At least the Penguins captain is keeping his spirits up as he continues to work his way back from a concussion that has kept him out of games since Jan. 5. After yet another practice with no real hitting Monday at Southpointe, Crosby ruled himself out of the team's upcoming West Coast games, Thursday at San Jose and Saturday at Los Angeles. He said he needs to practice more consistently and get hit more. That has been difficult because of the Penguins' hectic schedule, but opportunities would seem to be here finally."
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby looks good in practice, still not ready for games
October 28
NHL.com
 
"Sidney Crosby was on the ice for the weary Pittsburgh Penguins optional skate Friday, one of only a handful of players from the NHL's busiest team who didn't take the day off. No surprise there. With his concussion symptoms vanishing, Crosby can't wait to get to the rink these days. His return to the sport he was dominating at this time a year ago appears to be drawing ever so close. How close? That remains the unanswered question, although there isn't the slightest hint it will occur when Pittsburgh visits Toronto for a Saturday night matchup of two hot teams."
Penguins' defense takes another hit
October 25
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"After announcing that Zbynek Michalek is out four to six weeks with a broken finger, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma discussed whether the Penguins can replace the defenseman's penalty-killing ability. Then Bylsma made a concession. "The answer is probably no," he said. The real question is quickly becoming whether or not the Penguins will ever get healthy. After welcoming defenseman Brooks Orpik and center Dustin Jeffrey back into the lineup, the Penguins are losing a defenseman who has been logging around 25 minutes per game. Although Michalek has been shaky in even-strength situations this season, he is regarded as one of the league's premier penalty killers and specializes at shutting down"
Malkin could return tonight vs. Islanders
October 25
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Center Evgeni Malkin is with the Penguins in New York and could possibly make his return to the lineup tonight against the Islanders. Malkin hasn't played since Oct. 13 because of a sore knee. He practiced with the Penguins on Monday, marking the seventh time in eight days he has skated. Malkin appeared to get through yesterday's 60-minute workout with no sign of discomfort. "(Malkin) is still not ruled in or out for (today's) game," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. Malkin has scored one goal and three assists in three games this season. He skated on a line with left wing Steve Sullivan and right wing James Neal during yesterday's workout."
Penguins' Michalek adds to growing injury list
October 25
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Zbynek Michalek wasn't having a gangbusters start to the season, save for being part of a near-perfect penalty-killing squad. Things took a turn for the worse for the Penguins defenseman Saturday when a point-blank slap shot taken by New Jersey's Rod Pelley felled Michalek and left him with a broken finger on his right hand. That happened with 9:18 left in regulation. It was Michalek's team-leading 17th blocked shot, but it will be his last for a while. Coach Dan Bylsma said Monday that Michalek won't need surgery but will miss four to six weeks, making him just the latest in a long list of Penguins regulars who have been hurt this season or last."
Pens' Michalek out four to six weeks with broken finger
October 25
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek has a broken finger and will be out four to six weeks, coach Dan Bylsma said today after practice at Consol Energy Center. He said it doesn't appear Michalek will need surgery. Michalek, half of a shutdown pairing with Paul Martin, hasn't had the greatest start to the season, but he is one of the team's top penalty-killers. He got hurt just beyond the midpoint of Saturday's 4-1 win over New Jersey when he went down in the right circle to block a slap shot by the Devils' Rod Pelley. It appeared he got hit in the right hand."
How are the Penguins playing .700 hockey thus far minus most of their star players?
October 24
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"It's not so much that the Penguins are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference standings. Not when the team they are even with, Washington, has played three fewer games, as have the clubs clustered directly below those two. No, the most striking thing about the Penguins' 6-2-2 start is they have done so well under such trying circumstances. Ten games crammed into 17 days, and spread over four time zones. Not a single shift from Sidney Crosby. Evgeni Malkin dressing for just three games, and Brooks Orpik for two."
Concussion scratches Tyler Kennedy
October 18
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Penguins apparently don't know precisely what happened to Tyler Kennedy , or when it did. But they do seem reasonably certain that it resulted in a concussion, which is why he sat out their game Monday night against Winnipeg. After Kennedy didn't go onto the ice at the game-day skate, coach Dan Bylsma said Kennedy was "suffering from concussion-like symptoms and is going to be evaluated further.""
Reports: Malkin won't play on Pens' upcoming trip
October 17
NHL.com
 
"Reports out of Pittsburgh have confirmed that Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin did not accompany the team on its two-game road trip as a result of recurring soreness to his surgically repaired right knee. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Malkin, who has 4 points but has missed three of the past four games, will be sidelined for matches in Winnipeg on Monday and Minnesota on Tuesday. He'll be re-evaluated prior to Pittsburgh's home contest against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday."
Crosby gets OK to take on contact
October 14
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Perhaps Sidney Crosby's biggest short-term concern will be finding a samaritan to rattle his teeth, and a time for that to happen. "I might have to do something to get them to hit me," Crosby, smiling broadly, said Thursday of his Penguins teammates. It was an upbeat day for the captain of the club. Crosby received clearance for full contact in practices, a highly anticipated late-stage step in his comeback from a concussion. It comes with a problem, though. The Penguins schedule is cramped with 13 games in 24 days this opening month of the 2011-12 season. That means full-fledged practices with high-energy contract drills will be rare. "It's pretty tough right now," Crosby said. "We're"
Bylsma: Staal should play tonight
October 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Hockey teams have a colorful history of distorting the truth about injuries, but Penguins coach Dan Bylsma made it clear Friday that center Jordan Staal really did leave Thursday night's season opener at Vancouver with cramps related to dehydration. "I can try honesty if you'd like," Bylsma said after practice at Scotiabank Saddledome, which Staal did not participate in. "I tried it (Thursday), and I'll try it again. He cramped in the game (Thursday) night. That's why he didn't finish the game. The best thing for him is getting on the bike (Friday), and he'll be ready to go (tonight against the Flames).""
Orpik being patient in comeback from injury
October 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"It's in the nature of most high-level athletes to play through pain and rush back from injury when possible. Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik has been there, done that, but now he's taking a different approach as he comes back from his second offseason surgery to repair an abdominal hernia. "I'm just trying to learn from the past, be patient with it rather than trying to play through it -- which obviously led to other things," Orpik said after participating in the team's morning skate at Rogers Arena. "Just be patient with it and wait until it clears up.""