PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby remains confident he’ll play hockey again.
When remains a mystery.
The Pittsburgh Penguins star said Wednesday he’s continuing to recover from concussion-like symptoms that have sidelined him since last January, adding it’s “likely” he’ll return to play this season.
Yet the 24-year-old former MVP remains adamant he won’t don his No. 87 jersey until he’s back at full strength.
“Maybe I can get by with 90 percent, maybe I couldn’t, but I’m not going to roll the dice with that,” he said.
Flanked by Pittsburgh general manager Ray Shero and the two doctors who have carefully monitored his progress after suffering blows to the head in consecutive games nine months ago, Crosby shot down speculation he’s considering retirement.
While acknowledging there’s a “slight chance” he might never play again, Crosby quickly added “I wouldn’t bet on that.”
Guessing when Crosby will consider himself at full speed is an equally risky proposition.
Crosby’s symptoms have included “fogginess” that at times made it difficult for him to drive or watch television. He has also endured painful migraines and likened the recovery process to a roller coaster. The good days far outnumber the bad ones, but the bad ones aren’t gone completely.
“I’m lucky,” Crosby said. “I feel like I’m in pretty good shape and on the right end of this right now.”
The Associated Press
