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Panthers May See Pittsburgh Star Sidney Crosby Make Season Debut

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PITTSBURGH (CBSMiami/AP) — As if playing in the house of the defending Stanley Cup Champions wasn't difficult enough, the Florida Panthers may end up with an even bigger challenge.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby could make his season debut Tuesday night against Florida.

The two-time MVP and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner hasn't played since sustaining a concussion in practice earlier this month.

Crosby returned to practice on Monday and participated in Pittsburgh's game-day skate on Tuesday morning.

Coach Mike Sullivan said it's "likely" that Crosby will play. Crosby described himself as a "game-time" decision and called his participation in a full-contact practice on Monday as a major milestone in his recovery.

"Ultimately to get to that step yesterday of having contact, you have to be symptom-free and that's been the case," Crosby said.

Crosby missed the better part of two seasons after sustaining a concussion in January 2011. He stressed he didn't panic when doctors told him of the latest diagnosis.

"Guys have had them before and it's been a long time since I've had to deal with that myself," he said. "It's not something you want to hear. It's something you want to treat the right way."

The Penguins are off to a 3-2-1 start with Crosby out of the lineup.

Defenseman Kris Letang skated with the team on Tuesday, but wore a non-contact jersey and will miss his third straight game with an undisclosed injury.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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