For the first time in a long time, Sidney Crosby has taken a tangible step in his recovery process from a January concussion, as he skated by himself prior to Penguins practice on Monday.
↵Crosby's concussion, officially diagnosed after a hit from Victor Hedman on January 5, was initially thought to be a one-week injury. Crosby also was shaken up following a collision with David Steckel during the Winter Classic at Heinz Field, leading many to question just when he suffered the trauma. Headaches and other concussion symptoms have kept Crosby from doing almost any physical activity.
↵Before forced out, Crosby was dominating the NHL scoring race. Despite missing the last 29 games, Crosby remains 11th league-wide in points, and he still leads the Penguins in scoring by a wide margin.
↵A return date is still unknown, and much depends on how his body handles today's exertion. That he was able to take the next step and return to the ice finally indicates some progress, but now the hope has to be that no setbacks are encountered as Crosby continues his slow journey back to the lineup.