News

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has practised for the first time since injuring his groin during a pre-season 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 mid-season.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed winger Maxim Afinogenov to a one-year, $800,000 deal on Tuesday.

Afinogenov was invited to ttraining camp by the Thrashers on a pro try-out with hopes of making the roster.

The speedy Russian spent nine seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, scoring 134 goals and 200 assists for 334 points in 569 games.

last season, he scored six goals and added 14 assists for 20 points in 48 games.