CANONSBURG, Pa. — Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby plans to play Thursday against the New York Rangers, his first game in more than three months after a second lengthy bout with concussion-like symptoms. The 24-year-old went through an arduous workout with his teammates Tuesday and got bumped around enough that he feels prepared for the grind that awaits over the final month of the regular season and beyond.
“You’re not going to get hit to the extent that you would in a game,” Crosby said. “But you’ve got to test that as best you can.”
The dizziness and headaches that have plagued Crosby since the symptoms resurfaced in early December have abated. Crosby said he believes he’s in better shape now than he was during a brief comeback from a 10-month layoff last fall, when he collected 12 points in eight games before heading back to injured reserve.
“I’m just trying to make sure I progressed and remain symptom- free,” he said. “Everything’s gone really well.”
NBC Sports Network added a national telecast of the game with Crosby’s anticipated return. He is expected to play on the third line with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy while being limited to about 15 minutes against the Rangers. The Associated Press
