Crosby says he still hopes to play in All-Star Game

Sidney Crosby was asked Tuesday about the swirling reports that he would sit out the 2011 All-Star Game presented by Discover because he didn't like how the NHL was handling the punishment of headshots.

If you believed those stories, Crosby said you probably need your head examined.

"That's not even close (to accurate)," Crosby told reporters. "I'll be there if I can be there and still haven't ruled out being there."

Crosby has been out since Jan. 6 as he deals with post-concussion symptoms. He was originally expected to miss one week, but now his status for the Jan. 30 All-Star Game in Raleigh is up in the air.

"I've definitely gotten better," Crosby said. "It's kind of hard to judge because it's not something I've gone through, but I'm progressing. Hopefully, in the next few days things get better. There's a slight chance I can still be back for that. That's what I'm hoping. If I can be there, I'll be there."

Crosby took an accidental shot to the head from Washington Capitals forward David Steckel during the second period of the Winter Classic on New Year's Day. Crosby returned for the third period and played against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Jan. 5, but hasn't seen the ice or exerted himself off it since.

The concussion is new territory for Crosby, who has never had to deal with a head injury during his NHL career.

"It's on and off. As far as symptoms, it's mostly headaches," Crosby said. "Once you get better, you realize how far you've come. Some days you feel good. You feel like you've made progress. Some days are a little bit tougher. That's all tied into this type of injury."

Crosby was asked how he felt the NHL was handling shots to the head.

"I think they're trying to recognize the fact that there's been hits and serious effects of those," Crosby said. "They've made strides in doing that. As for mine, it's tough to say what exactly happened. Who knows? Overall, I think it's something that they're aware of. You've seen in the last week or so there have been a couple suspensions for hits to the head.

"It's something they're trying to be active with and it's the right thing to do."

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