Penguins captain Sidney Crosby practises, expects to play Friday

In this June 12, 2009, file photo, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) heads onto the ice against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period of Game 7 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals in Detroit. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Paul Sancya, File

CANONSBURG, Pa. - 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.