The NHL All-Star Game's top vote-getter will be staying home for the festivities this coming weekend.
Sidney Crosby, who has missed out on nearly a month of action with a concussion after incurring hits on Jan. 1 against Washington and Jan. 5 against Tampa Bay, has not been cleared for physical activity.
Penguins general manager Ray Shero explained his star's impending absence in Raleigh.
"I know Sidney is very honored to have been selected by the fans to appear in the All-Star Game, and he was happy to attend the festivities two years ago when he couldn’t play because of a knee injury," Shero said. "However, in this situation – when he has not even skated for two and a half weeks and still has not been cleared to resume physical activity – we think it’s best for him to focus totally on his recovery."
"Sidney is making progress in his recovery but still is not completely symptom-free. … The Penguins organization has decided that he will not attend the NHL All-Star Weekend and instead will continue to relax and recuperate in the hopes of returning to our lineup soon. "
"I spoke with Brendan Shanahan of the NHL office and informed him of our decision. Brendan was very understanding and offered Sidney his best wishes for a quick return to the lineup."
Crosby has missed nine games thus far due to the injury.
