Penguins' Crosby hopes for playoff return
Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is hoping to return for the playoffs, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Crosby hasn't played since March 30, when a deflected shot broke his jaw, but he received medical clearance on Thursday to resume practicing with his teammates on Friday.
That could put him on track to play in Game 1 of the postseason, but it's still unknown when he might get into a game. Though the postseason schedule has yet to be released, the Penguins will open at home, likely on Wednesday.
Team officials and the coaching staff had said they would like to see Crosby practice with teammates -- which he will begin doing Friday -- before inserting him into a game.
Upon his return, Crosby will likely wear a plastic shield as protection.
