Sidney Crosby returns to Penguins practice after missing Game 4 with concussion
Things were already looking pretty grim for the Capitals, who head into Saturday's Game 5 against Pittsburgh with their backs up against the wall down three games to one. Now, it's looking like the Penguins may also have Sidney Crosby back in the lineup, and possibly Conor Sheary too.
Crosby and Sheary were both on the ice for Penguins practice on Friday morning, marking the first time they've skated with the team since suffering respective concussions on Monday.
Crosby's injury came after the Penguins center was cross-checked in the head by Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen during the third game of the series, while Sheary suffered his taking a hit from teammate Patric Hornqvist.
Both missed Wednesday's Game 4, which the Penguins won 3-2, but there was more uncertainty as to when (or even if) Crosby would be back for the Pens this postseason. With the Crosby's lengthy concussion history, concern was high.
But the captain made a pretty swift return to the ice and seemed to be fully involved in practice on Friday.
https://twitter.com/SWernerPG/status/860513547167694848
https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/860512153664729088
https://twitter.com/OtherNHLCrosby/status/860518453052153856
Given Crosby's history with head issues, the Penguins are going to want to proceed cautiously and monitor his progress, but it's certainly encouraging that he's able to get back out there so quickly. We'll have to wait to see if he'll be in the lineup for Game 5.
