Penguins’ Sidney Crosby practices for 1st time since injuring groin, expects to play Friday

Crosby practices, expects to play Friday

CANONSBURG, Pa. — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has practiced for the first time since injuring his groin during a preseason game Thursday in Columbus.

Crosby took part in the Penguins’ practice Tuesday and expects to play in the season opener Friday against New York Rangers. The Penguins will raise their Stanley Cup championship banner at Mellon Arena that night.

Crosby skated Saturday and Sunday, but did not play in the Penguins’ final exhibition game Sunday in Detroit.

Evgeni Malkin, last season’s NHL scoring leader, took a scheduled day off Tuesday.

Penguins forward Max Talbot skated for the first time since having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He is expected to be sidelined until midseason.