Penguins star Crosby joins practice for day

Coach Dan Bylsma said with Jordan Staal and Simon Despres ready to resume skating after their injuries, it was better to include Sidney Crosby in the main practice rather than have him skate on his own.

“It was good to be out there,” said Crosby, who has been out since Dec. 5 because of concussion symptoms and a neck injury. “I wasn’t going to skate by myself if I didn’t have to.

“This week’s been pretty good. I feel like I’m getting there. I don’t know the time frame. I wish I did.”

Crosby said his symptoms persisted and he was not ready to resume practicing regularly with his teammates. “I’ll be back ( skating) by myself and doing the type of things injured guys usually do,” he said. Other concussion updates: uphiladelphia Flyers center Danny Briere is listed as daytoday. Injured Jan. 21, he has been practicing with the team, including some contact. He said Monday that he needed to talk to doctors but he was “definitely feeling better and better.” Teammate James van Riemsdyk, who is also practicing, remains out indefinitely.

Winnipeg Jets coach Claude Noel said center Evander Kane would take part in today’s morning skate and be re- evaluated.

Boston Bruins center Nathan Horton skated on his own Sunday for the first time since his Jan. 22 injury. Tough day for coaches: Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff is expected back today after suffering three broken ribs. He was hurt when defenseman Jordan Leopold lost his balance in practice and upended the coach.

Meanwhile, Edmonton Oilers coach Tom Renney sat out Monday’s game after he was hit in the head by a puck during the morning skate. Assistant Ralph Krueger was behind the bench.

Kobasew fined:

The NHL fined Colorado Avalanche forward Chuck Kobasew $ 2,500 for tripping Dan Hamhuis as the Vancouver Canucks defenseman touched the puck on an icing call.