The Pittsburgh Penguins didnt feel it was necessary to grab an impact player at last weeks trade deadline, as it looks like theyre going to get their own one back very soon. . Captain Sidney Crosby participated in his first full practice on Tuesday since concussion-like symptoms resurfaced in December and theres optimism hell be back before the playoffs begin next month. "Its a good step," Crosby told reporters. "Hopefully, I can keep the momentum and get out there soon." It could be argued that Crosbys return is a much-needed for the Penguins, but that doesnt seem to be the case at this stage of the season. Led by Art Ross Trophy contender Evgeni Malkin and head coach Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh hasnt missed a beat - sporting a 39-21-5 record and sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings through Tuesday. They also have the leagues sixth-ranked offence, fifth-best power play, the second-best penalty kill and a goals-against average in the Top 10. Most impressive. Now imagine that with Sid in the mix. So here was Daves question to you: "Assess Pittsburghs Stanley Cup chances as they are now and as they would be with Sidney Crosby in top form." And here are the answers that Dave liked best: Travis says: "Today? No chance. As of Sunday, if Crosby returns? Best chance. Mel throws another name into the discussion: "The Pens need Kris Letang as much as they need Sidney Crosby, and maybe even more." And Jeff offers some odds with both players in mind: "With tonights lineup, the Penguins lose in the first round. With Crosby, they win the East. With Crosby and Letang, they win the Stanley Cup." And Leon is already asking about another trophy: "Its just a matter of who wins the Conn Smythe Trophy - Crosby or Evgeni Malkin?" But Kevin isnt so sure about Crosby: "Pittsburgh should not count on him for the playoffs. His effectiveness is doubtful." Brian identifies himself as a math teacher and offers this: "The odds are better than 2:1. How about 87:71?" And finally, this from Angela: "The Penguins have a decent chance, with or without Crosby. I worry more about his health. I hope his chances for a full recovery are greater than the teams chances." And Daves Reply to All: We got a lot of theories about how Crosbys presence, or absence, affects Malkin. So lets deal with that here. There is anecdotal evidence that says Malkin plays better without Crosby than he does with Crosby. There is statistical evidence that he scores more points, especially more goals, when hes on his own. But theyve helped each other win scoring titles, and it is not a reasonable assumption that Crosbys addition to the lineup would be cancelled by a less-prominent Malkin. Pittsburgh would be better with Crosby. And yes, with Letang, and thats the best way to say its not all about Crosby. It cant be. For his sake, for the teams sake, the Penguins have to carry on as the Stanley Cup contenders they are and they should not suddenly think of themselves as Stanley Cup favourites, even thouogh that will be said, and has been said here, by others. [url=http://www.2014blackfridaymichaelkors.com/Michael-Kors-Totes-Black-Friday-4... Kors Totes Black Friday . Albert, Alta., has an easy time of it Sunday at the world senior curling championship. Titans Jersey . The matchup between the top two rushers in the NFL didnt disappoint. The difference was Seattles rookie QB. Lynch ran for 124 yards and a touchdown, Wilson threw three first-half touchdown passes, and the Seahawks overcame 182 yards by Peterson in a 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday that could hold greater importance later in the season. http://www.buccaneersprosho... . Its not so hard to believe him right now. Dunn hit a three-run homer in the first inning and the Chicago White Sox handed Jon Lester his first loss with a 6-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. [url=http://www.officialroyalsteamshop.com/George-Brett-Royals-Jersey/]George Brett Jersey .J. -- Rex Ryan bolted out of his office the moment he heard Ed Reed was cut. Ma... Colston Jersey . -- Jim Calhoun could scarcely watch when the most improbable post-season run of his coaching life at Connecticut came down to an open three-point attempt by Arizonas Jamelle Horne.EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that cornerback Asher Allen has retired from football, a curious decision for a 24-year-old who was about to enter only his fourth NFL season. Coach Leslie Frazier didnt get into specifics of the conversation he had with Allen last week, but did say he was surprised by the decision by the former third-round draft pick, who would have been counted on to provide depth in the secondary this season. "I didnt see that coming," Frazier said after the team held an optional practice. "Everybody has to make decisions that they think are best for them." Allen was drafted out of Georgia in 2009. He started 11 games in 2010, but struggled last season as part of the Vikings banged-up secondary. He had four interceptions in his career. Allen suffered at least two concussions in his three years in the NFL, including one last season. Concussions have become a front-burner issue in professional football in recent years, with hundreds of former players suing the league alleging it turned a blind eye to the long-term effects that head injuries can have.. Tom Brady Womens Jersey Elite. . According to Frazier, Allen did not say whether it was related to injuries. The Associated Press left a message for Allen and his agent seeking comment. "He will talk about it more at some point," Frazier said. "He explained to me that this is something that he wanted to do and he had given it a lot of thought and that is what he wanted to do." Allen wasnt expected to compete for a starting position this season with the Vikings, but the physical cornerback was being counted on to play some in nickel and dime packages, especially early while rookie Josh Robinson got up to speed. Allen started 21 games in his three-year career, including nine starts as he filled in the for the injured Antoine Winfield and the suspended Chris Cook. "We want depth, we want competition in the secondary and he definitely helped to provide that," Frazier said. "But that opens up another spot and well continue to comb the waiver wire. I know that (general manager) Rick (Spielman) and his staff are doing that and well try to see what well have by training camp." ' ' '