Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, remains listed as day-to-day due to a concussion that's kept him out of action since January. However, Crosby said returning to the ice as soon as Friday against the Dallas Stars is "a possibility." That's a new development, as Alan Robinson of NHL.com notes, because last week the 24-year-old did not concede he would play in that week's games.

It's important to note that Crosby and coach Dan Bylsma continue to try to manage expectations by qualifying all statements about the star's potential return. "He's progressing," Bylsma said. "He's going down that road. I'll reiterate to you again, there is not a timetable or a date right now that we know and you don't."

Crosby's return would be welcome news for the Penguins, though they haven't exactly struglled without him. At 9-3-3 with 21 points, Pittsburgh stands atop the NHL. However, if they could use him against any opponent, it'd be Dallas: the 10-3 Stars lead the Western Conference with 20 points.

In his six-year career, Crosby has already led the NHL in points per game and goals created per game twice each. His 1.39 career points per game average ranks him No. 5 in NHL history.

James Neal has led Pittsburgh in Crosby's absece, with nine goals--good for No. 3 in the league--and five assists through 15 games. Meanwhile, defenseman Kris Letang's 12 assists rank him No. 4 in hockey.

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