Can I let you in on a tiny little secret?
Sidney Crosby is going to play in tonight's Game 6 in Washington.
How do I know?
Elliotte Friedman tweeted this photo taken by Hockey Night In Canada director Paul Hemming moments ago.
Moments ago #SidneyCrosby taping his stick at the #Penguins bench #HNIC #CBC 7:25pmET pic.twitter.com/1jt9nv2ll4
— Paul Hemming (@FromIceLevel) May 6, 2017
Does Crosby appear to be suffering from post concussion symptoms?
Crosby skated in a full contact practice with his teammates on Friday. He showed no hesitation nor symptoms.
After Friday's practice, Crosby was coy and avoided answering questions about whether he will play in Game 5 tonight.
"We'll see", Crosby said with a wry smile.
It's amazing to me that an athlete of Crosby's stature who has suffered previous serious concussions could resume skating days after getting his blocked knocked off like he did in the first period of Game 3 on Monday night. Crosby was high-stocked in the back of the head bun Alex Ovechkin then cross-checked in the head by Washington D-man Matt Niskanen. The dirty hit left him with Crosby with his second concussion of the season and at least the fourth of his brilliant career. Crosby required nearly two years to recover from the concussion he sustained in January 2011 against the Capitals in the NHL Winter Classic. Crosby was forced to sit out two weeks when he was diagnosed with a concussion last October.
Crosby, who led the league with 44 goals this season, has four goals and seven assists in eight playoff games this spring. Crosby felt "as good as you could expect" Tuesday morning. He was around to support his teammates during their 3-2 win in Game 4 and skated in full gear during a scheduled off day Thursday before rejoining the group Friday.
Crosby said that he understands his body better than anybody.
"I think having gone through this I'd like to think I'm pretty aware of my body at this point," he said. "I understand the importance of making sure you're good before you come back. I have a lot of belief in our staff here that they're going to do everything in their power to make sure I'm good when I come back."
Crosby has an opportunity to end yet another season for his arch rival Washington Capitals. Crosby wants to shake Alex Ovechkin's hand at center ice.
**
I believe that the Buffalo Sabres will hire Jason Botterill to be their next GM. Hell, the Pegulas likely have already hired Botterill, who is the only GM candidate that they gave two interviews to.
If my premise is true, you ask, why hasn't an official announcement been made yet?
Hear me out:
As I told a colleague last night, Mario Lemieux controls the Penguins top to bottom. Why would he allow Botterill to leave the Pens org now?
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) May 6, 2017
Lemieux likely has told GM Jim Rutherford to pump the brakes for a couple of days on a likely Botterill exit strategy to Buffalo.
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) May 6, 2017
Bill Guerin is in Cologne right now with Team USA. If Botterill leaves now, Rutherford will be shorthanded. Like scenario is:
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) May 6, 2017
Pens close out Caps, Botterill can exit in respite between rounds 2-3, Guerin can be dispatched back from Worlds to PIT
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) May 6, 2017
This is my belief. Pens might have requested an extension until such time that round two is complete.
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) May 6, 2017
Correct. Let's not forget that #66 has a ton of leverage with Bettman, Daly. NHL are wise to not shake their money makers in Sid and Mario
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) May 6, 2017
Sabres fans should be cheering vociferously for Sid, Kessel, Geno to eliminate Ovechkin, Caps tonight pic.twitter.com/ffigtFrtSm
— SabresBuzz (@SabresBuzz) May 6, 2017