The recovery of Sidney Crosby took a positive step Monday.
Rehabilitating from a concussion that has kept him out of the first six games of the season, Crosby was the first player on the ice for practice — and he was wearing a regular black (i.e., cleared-for-contact) sweater and skating on the first power-play unit.
Following practice, Crosby told reporters (watch above) that he is no longer experiencing any concussion symptoms.
“I feel good,” Crosby said. “Hopefully we can build from here. It’s encouraging to be able to practice with the team and go in the right direction.”
There is no timetable for the reigning Conn Smythe champion’s return, but Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan had said that Crosby will need to practise with contact before playing.
“Guys have multiple concussions and they’re fine. You just have to treat them the right way, and make sure that they handle it right and that you’re honest,” Crosby had said previously.
“I’m comfortable and confident that things will be OK.”
The Penguins (3-2-1) host the Florida Panthers Tuesday, in what could mark Crosby’s first game of the season.
Goaltender Matt Murray, who has yet to make his season debut as he recovers from a broken hand, also practised with the club Monday.
