Crosby practices; return isn’t set

Associated Press

MONTREAL

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby practiced Monday but said he is no closer to returning from a concussion and neck injury that have sidelined him for most of the season.

Coach Dan Bylsma felt with Jordan Staal and Simon Despres ready to resume skating after their injuries, it was better to include Crosby in the main practice rather than have him skate on his own.

Crosby moved with plenty of energy and took part in every drill.

“It was good to be out there,” he said. “I wasn’t going to skate by myself if I didn’t have to.

“This week’s been pretty good. I feel like I’m getting there. I don’t know the time frame. I wish I did.”

Crosby said he is not ready to resume practicing regularly with his teammates.

“I’ll be back [skating] by myself and doing the type of things injured guys usually do,” he said. It’s nice to be with the group [today].”

He said he has felt a little better in the past week and is optimistic since the injury has been diagnosed as a neck problem rather than a concussion.

But when asked if he was symptom-free, he said: “No. As soon as I am hopefully I’ll be out there. That’s where I want to be.”

Asked how Crosby looked, Bylsma said: “He always looks good when he’s got his gear on.”