While he's been encouraged by his progress, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss the team's season opener against the Vancouver Canucks next Thursday night.
"No. I wouldn’t expect it, no," Crosby told reporters Saturday when asked if there was a realistic chance he would be ready for the Oct. 6 showdown at Rogers Arena. "I don’t think so."
Crosby hasn't played since January due to a concussion, but he has been skating with his teammates since training camp opened on Sept. 17. However, he still has not been cleared for contact.
"In terms of him and his rehab, I think it's positive," Pens coach Dan Bylsma said. "We play next Thursday and it's a few short days away. We haven't progressed to the next level yet, so it's safe to say (he won't play)."
Prior to the concussion, Crosby had 32 goals and 34 assists in just 41 games. His 66 points were enough to lead the 2010-11 Pens in scoring.
