Sidney Crosby

The NHL is one of the most physical, fast paced sports out there. The physicality, among just about every other thing about hockey, is why we love the game. 

While the nature of the game does create entertainment, it also results in numerous injuries; an issue that has really taken light this season.  

But why is this the season that it's getting attention? Injuries happen every year. 

The hockey world is not the same.

It seems like ages ago when Sidney Crosby ingrained himself in the hearts and minds of Canadians forever with his climactic Golden Goal against the Americans in the final of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Pittsburgh Penguins star center Sidney Crosby has been sidelined for the majority of this season with a concussion after missing the second half of last season. It appears as though he may have other injuries contributing to his issues, however.

UPDATE: 8:03 PM EST, January 28th-

According to SportingNews, Sidney Crosby has visited a spine specialist after missing more than a month of play due to concussion-like symptoms.

Crosby visited with Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist who has worked with the U.S. Olympic Team in the past.

The 2012 NHL All-Star game drops the puck on January 29^th in Ottawa this year. If you have watched these games, you know how little they resemble an actual NHL hockey game.

Instead, they look like your average pick-up game at the local rink, even though these guys have a lot more skill than the slobs at your rink.

There is no defense, no hitting and none of the intensity that we are used to. Basically, most of the things we love the most about the game.

Scoring, passing, shooting will all be on display, allong with top goalies getting hung out to dry.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is doing everything he can to make sure he's ready to return after his latest post-concussion symptoms and struggles, but he's not getting the support he needs from his teammates.

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Two days ago, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma gave the hockey universe the first update on Sidney Crosby's second concussion hiatus.

"He's still having symptoms," said Bylsma.

How many more NHL stars need to land on the infirmary report before the NHL takes action?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have managed to find remarkable success without him, but now, with star center Sidney Crosby back in action, the Pens are better than ever.

Without Sid the Kid and Evgeni Malkin for a good portion of last year's season, the Penguins were still able to accumulate their second-highest point total in franchise history. With Crosby in the lineup this season, the Pens are 5-2-1, and Sid has 12 points in those eight games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins rebounded from an ugly loss to the New York Rangers by shutting the Washington Capitals down. The Capitals could only manage two shots on goal in the third period and lost to the Pens by the score of 2-1.