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Crosby has neck injury
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Crosby is seeking the opinion of one or more additional specialists, who will review recent test findings related to his neck and make recommendations. That could happen in the next two or three days.
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OTTAWA -- Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby was diagnosed with a neck injury in the past several days while seeing a specialist in California. That was in addition to his concussion problems.
It seems this is not a career-threatening situation, and there are indications he could play again this season or in the playoffs if his concussion symptoms are resolved. Crosby, however, is seeking the opinion of one or more additional specialists, who will review recent test findings related to his neck and make recommendations. That could happen in the next two or three days.
"The good news is that Sidney is safe, doing well," Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, said Saturday night at Scotiabank Place after the NHL All-Star skills challenge.
"What they found, we want to make sure it's accurate. This week, we're probably going to know more."
Brisson said Crosby underwent an MRI and CAT scan. He added that Crosby's spine "is fine."
The Penguins released this statement:
"The diagnosis of Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist based in Los Angeles, is that Sidney Crosby had suffered a neck injury in addition to a concussion. Dr. Bray reports that the neck injury is fully healed. Those findings will be evaluated by independent specialists over the next few days. The most important goal all along has been Sidney's return to full health, and we are encouraged that progress continues to be made."
It is not clear why the neck injury was not detected earlier. And it also is not clear if it was a fracture or some other type of injury.
"It's a complicated injury," Brisson said. "I feel good [about] the fact that he feels better. I'm moving forward more than moving backward. Early next week, we'll find out a little bit more. I just don't want to speculate."
Asked if Crosby is upset that the neck injury was not diagnosed earlier, Brisson said, "I haven't heard that from him."
Brisson, based in Los Angeles, said Crosby was in good spirits the past week while there seeing Bray, skating and working out.
Before he made trips to see chiropractic specialist Ted Carrick in Atlanta and Bray in California the past two weeks, Crosby also made an unannounced trip to Utah to see Alex Guerrero. Brisson called Guerrero a therapist who has worked with football and hockey players. He is often referred to as a trainer for New England quarterback Tom Brady.
Crosby has been out since Dec. 5 with what he identified as concussion symptoms related to motion and balance. He missed nearly 11 months because of a concussion before making an eight-game comeback.
He originally was diagnosed with a concussion Jan. 6, 2011. He took a hard hit New Year's Day from David Steckel, then of Washington, in the 2011 Winter Classic. Crosby's head swung violently as he did a revolution in the air parallel to the ice. Crosby said then and subsequently that his lone symptom was a sore neck.
He took another hit to the head four nights later from Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman. He has said he felt off in that game, even before the Hedman hit. He traveled to Montreal after that game, but returned home the next day when he did not feel better. Then, he was diagnosed with a concussion.
It has not been determined whether one or both of those hits caused the neck injury or if it stemmed from something else. Brisson made it clear that regardless of the neck injury, Crosby had a concussion.
After his latest setback, Crosby began skating Jan. 13 and did so again Saturday. Brisson also said Crosby remains hopeful he will play again soon.
First Published January 29, 2012 12:00 am
