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NHL notebook: How big is Sidney?
By
QMI Agency
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  Sidney Crosby skates during a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey practice at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Friday, October 7, 2011. (LYLE ASPINALL/QMI AGENCY)
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Just how big is Sidney Crosby in this country?
Big enough for Hockey Night in Canada to add a previously meaningless November game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Islanders to its broadcast schedule.
Crosby's return to the ice after missing more than 10 months (61 games) due to a concussion will come Monday against the New York Islanders. The game will be aired on a special Hockey Night broadcast, with the top crew of Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson calling the action.
American network VERSUS is jumping on the Crosby bandwagon as well. VERSUS was originally scheduled to air the Boston Bruins-Montreal Canadiens matchup but will switch to the Pens-Isles game instead.
Crosby, who hasn't played since Jan. 5 after taking blows to the head in back-to-back games, will play with Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis against the Islanders, Pens coach Dan Bylsma said Sunday.
OSHIE OUT
St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie didn't practice Sunday due to a wrist injury that could also force him to miss Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Oshie was hurt in the first period Saturday against the Minnesota Wild but stayed in the game, scoring in regulation and the shootout.
Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said Oshie was held out of practice for precautionary reasons. But forward Brett Sterling was called up from Peoria of the AHL Sunday in case Oshie can't play Tuesday.
CAPS CALL UP ORLOV
The Washington Capitals called up defenceman Dmitry Orlov from Hershey of the AHL Sunday.
Orlov, who has four goals and five assists in 15 games with Hershey, will likely take Jeff Schultz's place on the blueline when the Caps take on the Pheonix Coyotes Monday.
