Sidney Crosby returning to action Monday

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The long-awaited moment finally came on Sunday afternoon: Penguins center Sidney Crosby will play against the Islanders on Monday night in Pittsburgh, according to a team announcement.

Crosby Watch, thankfully, has ended.

A concussion has kept Crosby (pictured above) out of game action since Jan. 5 with concussion-like symptoms, and there have been months of speculation about the future of player who is the face of the NHL. He was finally cleared for contact in practice situations on Oct. 13.

You might say the Islanders are probably the ideal opening opponent for Crosby. In 33 career games, he has scored 18 goals and 62 points against them.

After the Islanders game, the Penguins play host to St. Louis on Wednesday and Ottawa on Friday before traveling to Montreal on Saturday.

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--Lisa Dillman