Penguins’ superstar center Sidney Crosby is finally skating after suffering a devastating concussion in back to back head shots on January 1st against the Washington Capitals and January 5th against the Tampa Bay Lightning.Crosby has now missed 30 games with his concussion and has only just started skating which definitely casts a shadow on his return to the Penguins this season. There are only 11 games left in the season which puts a lot of pressure on Crosby to get into game shape quickly, begin practicing with the team, and take physical contact – all without experiencing headaches or dizziness between now and his return.That is a tall task.While everyone in Pittsburgh is certainly hoping Crosby will return to action this season, I am afraid that he has started skating too late in the season to come back for the regular season.Marc Savard of the Boston Bruins was victimized by the Penguins’ Matt Cooke last season on  a dirty hit that gave him a severe concussion similar to Crosby’s. He eventually returned to the Bruins in the playoffs but was largely ineffective, only scoring one goal in seven games. Savard constantly shied away from contact, flinched at the slightest physical contact, and was clearly not ready to return to the ice.Savard did not play this season after suffering concussion-like symptoms until December 2nd. Savard played 25 games until suffering another concussion and now his career is in doubt.Crosby could become the next Savard if he and the Penguins are not careful. I have no doubt that the doctors have given Crosby every test possible to make sure he is 100% ready to play but the threat of another concussion will always be there.The Penguins could certainly use Crosby and his immense talent on their roster right now but the team is playing pretty well without him and could even make a run at the Stanley Cup with a little luck.Philadelphia is playing very poorly. Boston is on a losing streak and their offense does not scare anyone. Washington is starting to play well but their goaltending and defense remain just as porous as ever. Tampa Bay has a putrid defense and they are relying on a 41-year-old goaltender that the Penguins have historically dominated.The Penguins have to be the favorites to win the Eastern Conference if Crosby comes back fully healthy. But only if he is ready to play full contact, full effort every shift. The NHL playoffs are the most physically demanding series of games in professional sports and having someone recovering from a concussion playing in the playoffs can be a recipe for disaster.