Crosby scores twice in long-awaited return

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby made an impressive return to the ice Monday after missing almost a year due to a concussion.

Crosby scored two goals and added a pair of assists, helping the Penguins post a 5-0 win over the New York Islanders at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh.

The 24-year-old NHL fan favorite exhibited concussion symptoms in January after taking a pair of hits to the head -- including a shot from Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman Jan. 5, after which he did not return to the ice.

Following injuries to Crosby and other top players, the NHL tightened rules governing hits to the head.

Crosby, the Penguins' captain, was cleared for contact by doctors last month and has been traveling with the Penguins in anticipation of his return.

Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma had said before the game Crosby's ice time would be closely watched and he probably won't see his usual per-game amount of 20 minutes. He was limited to 15 minutes.