Penguins' Sidney Crosby scores in return to lineup

It didn't take long for Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby to make an impact in his return to the lineup.

With his team trailing the Florida Panthers 2-0 in the second period, Crosby took a centring pass from winger Evgeni Malkin and promptly buried a shot past netminder James Reimer to cut the lead to 2-1.

It was the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner's first goal of the season, after missing the team's first six games recovering from the third documented concussion of his NHL career suffered on Oct. 7.

"Everything is pointing in the right direction," Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters of Crosby's probable return after Tuesday's morning skate.

Crosby returned to practice in full capacity on Monday.

"Ultimately to get to that step [Monday] of having contact, you have to be symptom-free and that's been the case," Crosby said at the morning skate.

Also returning is goaltender Matt Murray, who backstopped the Penguins to their Stanley Cup championship in June. The 22-year-old had been out with a hand injury and was taken off injured reserve Tuesday.

Crosby missed the better part of two seasons after sustaining a concussion in January 2011. He stressed he didn't panic when doctors told him of the latest diagnosis.

"He had a really good practice [Monday]. He responded well. He had a real good practice this morning," Sullivan said of the two-time NHL MVP and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP.

Crosby, 29, skated on a line with left-winger Scott Wilson and Patric Hornqvist on Monday and 24 hours later took all the reps on the Penguins' top power play with fellow forwards Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Hornqvist along with defenceman Justin Schultz.

Pittsburgh is third in the Metropolitan Division with a 3-2-1 record but has averaged just two goals per game without their captain. Only the New Jersey Devils (1.60) have been more inept offensively.

"[Crosby] comes in and plays top minutes against the other team's top [defence] pair," Penguins winger Chris Kunitz said. "It just makes it that much easier on everybody else. We have such depth and guys that can attack that second, third, fourth or fifth defenceman."

Crosby had difficulty with his peripheral vision while sidelined with his previous concussions but didn't have a recurrence of symptoms or major setbacks this time. The Cole Harbour, N.S., native skated on his own for two weeks before rejoining the Penguins.

Letang joins team at practice

"He's the best player in the world," Penguins forward Carl Hagelin said of Crosby, third in NHL scoring last season with 85 points. "Anytime you can put him on the ice, it's going to be difficult for the other team to match."

In other Penguins news, defenceman Kris Letang skated with the team on Tuesday, but wore a non-contact jersey and will miss his third straight game with an undisclosed injury.

Letang, who was hurt a week ago in a game at Montreal, said he felt "like crap" but Sullivan had a different take.

"We're very encouraged that he joined us for practice today," said the coach. "I actually thought he looked really good."