This Thursday marks seven weeks since Sidney Crosby's core muscle surgery, which the Penguins said would keep him out a minimum of six weeks.
On Tuesday, Crosby practiced with his teammates, but said that there is "no timetable" for his return.
Crosby was on the ice early before the rest of the team joined him, working on individual drills with skills coach Ty Hennes. He then, while wearing a non-contact jersey, participated in the practice with the team.
Afterwards, he dismissed the intrigue that his presence brought.
"I feel good, but I was basically out there because of the ice times and things like that, the way everything worked out," he said. "I'll probably go back to being on my own tomorrow."
Essentially, Crosby skated with the team because his on-ice rehab time lined up with the practice, which was skills-based and did not involve any contact to any players.
"I thought he looked good," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "He's making significant progress and we're certainly encouraged by that. This was a particular practice that was suited for him join."
Crosby dismissively ruled out him playing in Thursday's game against San Jose, reiterating that there is "no timeline" for his return yet.
"It's going well, it just takes time," he said. "You need to heal, you need time to do that. With each week, it's gotten better and better and progressed, so that's the most important thing."
Crosby's injury was a sports hernia, which he reportedly played through since training camp. When the pain became too much in a November 9 game against Chicago, he elected to have the surgery.
"You just listen to your body," he said. "It's like any injury, you know when you can push it and when you can't. With every week, I've been able to do more and more, so that's positive."
The play of his teammates has allowed Crosby to not have to rush back to the ice. Despite a litany of injuries, the Penguins have won ten of 12 games, including Monday's 5-2 win over Ottawa in which the team again lost a star player, Jake Guentzel, to a 4-6 month recover from shoulder surgery.
"The team is playing unbelievable," Crosby said. "Even prior to when I got hurt, guys were going down left and right, and (we were) still finding ways to win. It's been great to see and I want to be back as soon as possible."
Despite their success, the Penguins have been through one of the most incredible series of injuries in the franchise's history. Guentzel, who was named an all-star for the first time Monday, will be sorely missed. Add on current injuries to Crosby, Justin Schultz, Brian Dumoulin and Nick Bjugstad, and it would be no surprise to see a dip in morale.
But that is where Crosby's mere presence may have come in handy Monday.
"Sid is such a great leader for this team and guys look up to him so much," Sullivan said. "The timing of him joining us was appropriate for the group. I know our guys certainly get excited when he's on the ice."
