The Pittsburgh Penguins and their fans are eagerly awaiting news on Sidney Crosby's return from Milan after an injury last Wednesday. The atmosphere around the team is filled with anticipation and hope, as even Crosby's teammates seem just as curious as the fans about his status.
Erik Karlsson expressed the team's sentiments, saying, “Obviously, it’s not fun for Crosby. We all wanted him in the game. Hopefully, he’s all right and can get some rest before coming back strong.”
While Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, who was involved with Team Canada, might have insights, it seems the details haven’t crossed the ocean yet. The team’s recent recall of Avery Hayes hints that his stay could depend on Crosby's availability. Coach Dan Muse mentioned, “We want to see something with Hayes, especially with these practice days, as we wait for more information on Crosby.”
With a grueling March schedule on the horizon-19 games in 34 days-the Penguins need to be cautious. Rushing Crosby back could risk further injury, potentially jeopardizing their playoff hopes.
If Crosby isn’t ready, the plan involves shifting Rickard Rakell to center, with Avery Hayes on the left wing. This setup isn’t ideal, especially with Evgeni Malkin playing on the wing of the second line. Possible configurations could include Malkin centering a line with Egor Chinakhov and Rakell or other combinations that best utilize the team’s depth.
The move of Malkin to the wing has been interesting, showing growing chemistry with Chinakhov. Coach Muse has been non-committal about the reasons, but if Crosby remains out, Malkin returning to center might make more sense. This could also help with faceoffs, with Rakell or Novak stepping in as needed.
The Penguins face a challenging schedule, with nine out of their next ten games against likely playoff teams, including tough matchups against Carolina, Vegas, and Boston. Even if Crosby returns, it’s a daunting stretch.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are hot on the Penguins' heels, having won 11 of 12 games before the Olympic break. With new coach Rick Bowness, Columbus isn’t looking to sell at the trade deadline.
They, along with the Washington Capitals, are close behind the Penguins in the standings. However, the Penguins and Columbus have games in hand over Washington, making the race for a playoff spot even more intense.
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Penguins as they navigate this challenging period, hoping to maintain their playoff position amidst stiff competition.