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Sidney Crosby plays in scrimmage

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby participated in a controlled scrimmage on Sunday as he continues his comeback from concussion-like symptoms that have kept him off the ice since January.

Crosby took face-offs and worked on set plays alongside his teammates in his first five-on-five action since training camp opened last weekend.

The former MVP says he has been symptom-free throughout camp but continues to wear a white helmet during practice to indicate he still hasn't been cleared for contact.

"Everything's been really good," Crosby said. "I haven't ran into any issues so far so it's been pretty smooth."

Crosby has worked relentlessly during the first week of camp during drills, often to the point of exhaustion.

Crosby added he's been impressed with the Penguins, who are unbeaten in three preseason games. Center Evgeni Malkin, who missed the second half of last season with a knee injury, has two goals and three assists in two games.

When Malkin and Crosby will be on the ice at the same time remains uncertain. There still is no timetable for Crosby's return, though he considers Sunday's work another step in the recovery process.

"I think it's been a lot of fun just being out there and competing and doing typical things you're used to doing as a hockey player," he said.

The Penguins continue the preseason on Tuesday against Los Angeles in Kansas City.