Sidney Crosby (illness) skated on his own prior to Wednesday's practice.

Crosby (illness) skated on his own prior to Wednesday's practice.

Analysis:

Crosby is past the infectious stage in his recovery from the mumps and is now starting the process of regaining conditioning after battling the nasty virus. He hasn't been ruled out as an option for Thursday's game against the Avalanche, but a return to the lineup Saturday against the Panthers looks to be more realistic at this point.