The Blueshirts remained five points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and will close out their pre-break schedule Saturday in Columbus.

Crosby missed his first game in over two years Friday but also appeared to take a step toward playing in the 4 Nations next week.

For a few minutes, at least, fears were allayed. Sidney Crosby, who means as much to a professional sports franchise as any athlete on this planet, stepped onto the ice as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ pra