Crosby gets assist in return for Penguins

Sidney Crosby's much-ballyhooed return after sitting out with concussion symptoms since Dec. 5 wasn't filled with fireworks -- which was fine with him.

Playing only his ninth game in 14 months, Crosby recorded an assist on the Penguins' fourth goal in a 5-2 win over the Rangers Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Crosby helped set up Chris Kunitz's 21st goal of the season at 3:01 of the third period, just after a power play ended.

Crosby, who was slightly less aggressive than usual, was on the third line and skated with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy. He played 16 minutes, including 4:24 on the power play, won 11 of 21 faceoffs, had one shot on goal and was a plus-3.

The last time Crosby returned, on Nov. 21, he had two goals and two assists against the Islanders. "That would be tough to beat for sure," he said after Thursday's morning skate at the Garden.

After Thursday night's game, Crosby explained that compared to that game, "I was just trying to calm myself a little more. I was obviously excited, but I didn't want to get caught doing too much. I was trying to make sure I stayed as even-keeled as I could. It wasn't easy, but I think the result we got makes things a lot easier."

In 39 games against the Rangers, Crosby has 55 points: 20 goals (eight on the power play, three game-winners) and 35 assists (14 on the power play). In his only other appearance against them this season, on Nov. 29, he recorded two assists in a 4-3 Rangers win.

Coach Dan Bylsma wanted to ease Crosby back into the routine and anticipated playing him in the range of 15 or 16 minutes. He was on target.

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"It was pretty much what I expected as far as ice time," said Crosby, who generally plays more than 20 minutes. "I felt like I was able to focus on the things I needed to do and got more comfortable as the game went on. You want to be sharp. Early on, you think about it more than you should . . . It's a little bit tougher when your ice time is managed a bit.

"I don't expect to be where I was 14 months ago, but I expect to be at a pretty good level and create things and contribute and get a better idea of where I'm at once I play more games. I'm not going out there to just kind of kill time."