It all started with a simple tweet we read this morning. @PghPenguins, the official Twitter feed for the Pens tweeted "#Pens captain Sidney Crosby is wearing a black helmet like everyone else at practice. We'll get an update from coach Bylsma after practice." We realized from that moment on our timeline will be dominated with Sid the Kid talk today, and we loved it!
Now before everyone gets all fired up, yes, we realize that he's not playing tonight when the Ovechkin and the Caps come to town. It is a step in the right direction. It means Sidney is moving in the right direction, which is nothing but good for Pittsburgh and the NHL.
In his interview after practice, Sid confirmed he has been fully cleared for contact. He also said he has no idea when he will be back to game action. We're OK with this, but there is one thing that we are skeptical about. Sid said he needs to experience contact and see how he bounces back from it. Here is our question. Who on the Penguins will actually make contact with Sid in practice?
We have devised a plan to start Sid's contact, making it as realistic as possible. We need Matt Cooke (with elbows down) to take a run at Sid the Kid. Before he gets there, Deryk Engelland will intercept Cooke and beat him senseless. While he is beating him senseless, equipment will go flying, contacting Sidney's head. We feel this is the most realistic scenario for Sid's return to contact. Good luck to anyone who comes near Sidney, Deryk will be waiting....
