After scoring just one goal in their last two games – and outscored, 9-1, in the process – the Penguins depleted line-up should get a much-needed infusion of top-end talent Saturday night.
Following a short individual skate, both Sidney Crosby and Jeff Carter joined their teammates for a 45-minute practice - and although Mike Sullivan used his familiar “game-time decision” description – both players practiced as if they would play and looked ready.
While the coach won’t commit at least until they report for work tomorrow, it sounds like as long as everything remains on course, they will play against New Jersey. “As of right now (Carter’s) status would be a game-time decision,” he said, “Sid is in a similar situation as well.”
Crosby centered a line with Jake Guentzel and Evan Rodrigues while Carter had Kasperi Kapanen and Jason Zucker on his wings. Both Crosby and Carter also worked with the first power-play unit. “I felt good out there today (but) it’s not totally up to me,” Carter said. “(I’ll) relay how I felt to the coaches, trainers and all that and see what they have to say.”
Carter missed the last three games in Covid protocol even though he never exhibited symptoms. “I (felt) completely normal,” he said shaking his head. “I had no symptoms the whole time. I felt like I do today so it was kind of frustrating ‘cause I was sitting there and felt good and felt like I could be out there but obviously I knew that I was positive and had to follow the protocols.”
“The good thing about Carts – because he was asymptomatic,” Sullivan pointed out, “(is that)he has able to ride the bike and work out and train through the process which I think is a big help for him when he does get back on the ice, a day like today. He responded really well.”
Crosby, of course, has yet to play this season after undergoing wrist surgery September 8th. Rodrigues says you wouldn’t know it from watching the last few practices. “Looks like Sidney Crosby,” he laughed.
“Looks like he hasn’t missed a beat from the first drill in practice. Looks like he’s going 100 miles per hour, playing at top speed. It’s good to have him back so hopefully he gets in a game soon.”
Veteran center Brian Boyle who has competed against Crosby for years, says Sid looks just fine to him. “Yeah, he’s impressive,” Boyle said. “I get caught watching him a little bit in practice. I think that’s a good thing, watching him work, seeing him every day. I thought I got to the rink early, I get there and he’s already coming off one workout, seemingly look exhausted and he goes back out with us and he’s flying around.”
Sullivan talked earlier in the week how Crosby’s presence at practice picks everybody up; not just the players but the coaches, as well “For me, I can speak for myself, when we get players like Carts and Sid back in the fold at practice we can’t help but get excited about moving forward.”
Imagine what it will like in an actual game, if and when they return to the line-up against the Devils – on Devils’ Night, no less!