User Rating: / 3
PoorBest 

Friday, 13 January 2012 15:05

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

Sidney Crosby resumed skating today at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. Earlier today a report surfaced that members of the team called a meeting to suggest naming a temporary captain.

The Penguins players responded to the report this morning by wearing "C's" made out of tape on their practice jerseys today. (Evgeni Malkin actually wore a "K" on his jersey which is what captains in Russia wear).

After his skate, Crosby spoke to members of the media about his condition and the state of his team which is in the midst of a six-game losing streak.

The audio can be heard here. For the audio impaired, here's a partial transcript:

On the skate:

"Felt pretty good. It's nice to get back out there. The first time so take it in stride."

On his symptoms:

"The symptoms are a lot better but I wouldn't say symptom free. I'm allowed to lightly exert. That's a positive when you're sitting around a bit."

On teammates wearing "C's":

"That was a nice gesture, especially at a time like this when thing are tough. Obviously there's been some adversity with a losses. We need to stick together. I think this was a good sign right there of sticking together. When ever you have adversity, there's a time when your team's character is in question. We'll see the results on the ice."

On being on the road trip:

"The fact that I'm able to skate is good but you always want to be around them. Whether you're winning - you always want to be a part of that. When you're losing too, you want to be there and go through it. I think for me to be here, is good for both. I think it's good for me to be around the guys and hopefully support them."

On various reports of his condition on social media:

"It's tough to even answer because its so far-fetched. I'm not surprised that it's when we've lost five or six in a row. If we had won five in a row, I don't think any of that stuff would have started. Let's be honest, the Steelers are out (of the playoffs), you know. The Penguins are what there is to talk about and anything that can be brought up or started, especially given the situation, is a pretty easy fit. I've been around hockey long enough to know that this stuff is going to come out when you're losing."

Do you think your teammates are questioning you?

"No. It's too bad that we have to sit here talk about to be honest with you . It's not even really worth talking about."

How conscious are you of being a potential distraction?

"One hundred percent. First and foremost, that's the most important thing. Not being a distraction. That's number one on the list. I understand my responsibility. I think I've been doing this long enough that if there's information to give, that's part of my role and responsibility that comes with what I do to provide that. I've always been willing to do that. But if there's no information to be given, I'm not going to make something up. On top of that, I'm not going to cause distractions or create distractions because of that. That's always my thought. That's the most important thing."

UPDATE: Here's video:

(Photo: Alan Diaz/Associated Press)

Comments (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by bastage42, January 13, 2012 - 02:04 PM

"I'm Sparticus Crosby!"

• 
• +0
• 
•