Sidney Crosby playing in Game 5 for Penguins against Capitals

WASHINGTON-- Sidney Crosby is playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Verizon Center on Saturday.

\[RELATED: Complete Penguins vs. Capitals series coverage\]
The center did not play in Game 4 on Wednesday after he sustained a concussion in Game 3 on Monday.
Pittsburgh, which lost Game 3 and won Game 4, leads the best-of-7 series 3-1 and will advance to the Eastern Conference Final with a win.
Crosby, the Penguins captain, did not participate in an optional morning skate and was unavailable for comment, but he went through his usual game-day routine, including playing soccer in the hall.
Crosby was injured when he was cross-checked in the head by Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen in the first period of Game 3. Crosby then skated for three straight days and took part in a full-contact practice Friday.
"My experience of watching players go through [recovery] over the years, you know, they're all unique in their own way," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. "Some recover quicker than others."

The NHL Concussion Evaluation and Management Protocol states, "There is no mandatory period of time that a player must be withheld from play following a concussion, as the return to play decision is based on the individual circumstances of that player."
Forward Connor Sheary, who also sustained a concussion in Game 3, also will play.
Crosby has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in eight games this postseason. Sheary has two assists in eight games.