Sidney Crosby says he’s been getting used to the face shield he’ll need to wear when he returns. (Keith Srakocic/AP)

By Allan Muir

An annotated guide to this morning’s must-read hockey stories:

• Sidney Crosby is waiting to hear from doctors if he will be cleared to play in Game 1 of the playoffs. With all that’s on the line, I’m surprised that NBC hasn’t suggested he see Dr. Leo Spacemen. If he wants clearance that bad, all Sid has to do is dance for it.

• Marc-Andre Fleury recognizes that he is the question mark for the Cup-or-bust Penguins. He thinks his new role as a father will help him get through any rough spots. Ah, new fathers. Is there anything they won’t tell themselves in their sleep-deprived delirium?

• The Red Wings are riding a wave of momentum that could lead to a first-round upset of the Ducks.

• Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau won’t tip his hand and reveal who is starting in goal for the Ducks, but he is willing to accept the underdog role against the seventh-seeded Wings. Apparently every team is the underdog this spring.

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