Penguins forwards Sidney Crosby, Jeff Carter labeled as 'game-time' decisions against Devils

Declan Boyle was upset recently.

His father, Pittsburgh Penguins center Brian Boyle, gave him a gift, but it wasn’t exactly the one he wanted.

“I got him a Penguins jersey, and he turned it around,” Brian Boyle said. “I saw the disappointment on this face when it said ‘Boyle 11’ on it.’”

As it turned out, Declan Boyle’s first preference was one with “Crosby 87” embroidered on the back.

Presumably, the younger Boyle and just about anyone else with a rooting interest with the Penguins could be in a cheerier mood as soon as Saturday.

Forwards Sidney Crosby and Jeff Carter were each labeled as “game-time” decisions by coach Mike Sullivan on Friday in advance of Saturday’s home contest against the New Jersey Devils. For Crosby, such a designation represents progress in his recovery from offseason surgery to his left wrist.

Previously, Crosby had been described as “day-to-day.”

“Certainly, we were really encouraged with his practice (Friday),” Sullivan said. “He practiced once again in a full capacity. Some of the drills that we did today were ‘game real.’ He’s going to meet with our medical team this afternoon, our team doctors and see how he responds overnight but we were really encouraged with his progress, as well.”

During Friday’s practice, Crosby centered the team’s top line and worked on the top power-play unit along with Carter.

As for Carter, he rejoined his teammates after being in isolation since Oct. 21 after a positive test for covid-19. He manned the middle of the second line.

During his hiatus, Carter was asymptomatic and was able to work out within the confines of his home.

“I felt really good the whole time,” Carter said. “I didn’t have any issues. I was able to do some bike rides and stuff like that. But when you’re stuck in the basement, there’s not a ton you can do. I was able to do what I could.”

Sullivan was upbeat about Carter’s conditioning despite such a long time off the ice.

“His practice (Friday) was real encouraging,” Sullivan said. “The good things about (Carter), because he was asymptomatic, he was able to ride the bike and work out and train through the process, which I think is a big help for him when he does get back on the ice, a day like today. He responded really well to the practice. I talked to him after practice, he was really encouraged. As of right now, his status would be a game-time decision. But we’re certainly really encouraged with what we saw (Friday).”

Defenseman Kris Letang remains in isolation after testing positive for covid-19. Sullivan indicated Letang has made progress in terms of his symptoms.

Sullivan was asked if there was any reason for caution in regards to Letang’s medical history. In 2014, Letang suffered a stroke as a result of a small hole in his heart that has been in place since birth.

Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, has shown to be more common in people who contract covid-19.

“I did speak to him (Friday), and he feels a lot better,” Sullivan said. “He rode the bike yesterday for 30 minutes at his house. He told me his energy is much better. He’s improving every day. That’s really encouraging.

“With respect to (any) concern, I know part of the return-to-play protocol with symptomatic players like (Letang) — (forward Zach Aston-Reese) had to go through the same process — is there is a cardiac screen as far as part of the process before there is a return to play. I would anticipate Letang would go through before he gets cleared. But we’re really happy to report that he’s feeling a lot better.”

The Penguins — and Declan Boyle — could feel a lot better soon.

“I know my six-year-old at home is excited for whenever (Crosby) can get back on the ice,” Brian Boyle said. “He’s had an impact on more just than me, I could say.”

Note: To make room for Crosby and Carter potentially joining the active roster, the Penguins assigned rookie forward Kasper Bjorkqvist to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL).

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