Laid-back practice allows Lemieux to regain his legs

He has played just one game since Dec. 3 due to an irregular heartbeat.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Mario Lemieux practiced Monday, the first time in more than three weeks he has practiced with his Pittsburgh Penguins' teammates.
Lemieux, who has played only one game since Dec. 3 due to an irregular heartbeat, took part in one of the more laid-back sessions since Michel Therrien took over as coach.
"It was a good day to come back," said Lemieux, who has recently been working out and skating on his own. "I got a good feel for [being with] the guys. It was a good first day."
While Therrien is known for demanding practices, Monday's workout primarily consisted of players breaking into groups and playing against each other in a good-humored drill.
The Penguins will play back-to-back nights and three games in four days starting with hosting the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
"He looked good," Therrien said. "It's a breath of fresh air for our team to have him out there."
Injury-prone
Lemieux, who has not played more than 67 games in a season since 1996-97, played in Pittsburgh's first 19 contests this season, posting seven goals and 12 assists.
He sat out the Nov. 16 game in Philadelphia with what team officials characterized as the flu, but returned three nights later for a home game against the Flyers. He played in six of the next seven games before being hospitalized Dec. 7 with the heart ailment.
After missing four contests, Lemieux recorded an assist in Therrien's debut as head coach Dec. 16 against the Buffalo Sabres. But he has not played since and did not accompany the Penguins on their recent three-game roadtrip.
Taking medication
Lemieux, 40, has been receiving medication for his condition, which is said to be under control but must be monitored. Lemieux said he is medically cleared to play but needs to get into playing shape.
"When you don't skate for this long a period of time, it's difficult to come back and get your legs underneath you, especially at this stage of the season when everybody else is in pretty good shape," Lemieux said.
Though neither he nor the team offered a timetable for his return, Lemieux ruled out playing in the next four games. He will accompany the team on its three-game roadtrip though Columbus, Chicago and Nashville.
Pittsburgh, which is in 14th place in the Eastern Conference and 14 points out of a playoff spot, is 6-13-7 with Lemieux in the lineup and 5-8-2 without him.
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