Crosby Takes First Step in Second Concussion Comeback Sidney Crosby skated Friday, his first time on ice since experiencing a recurrence of concussion symptoms after a game Dec. 5. After the Penguins" morning skate in Sunrise, Fla., he skated for 27 minutes and sounded afterward like a player whose return to the lineup is far from imminent. "The symptoms are getting a lot better," Crosby told reporters after his non-contact workout. But no, I wouldn't say I'm symptom-free. I'm allowed to lightly exert. That's positive. When you're sitting home for a bit, it's nice the symptoms are better and it's nice to take that step on the ice. It felt good to be back out there. There were some restraints, but it's better than being on the bike. Crosby's next session will likely take place Sunday, after the Penguins" morning skate in Tampa Bay. When Crosby took the ice Friday, he saw all of his teammates with the captain's "C" taped on their jerseys. The Russian Evgeni Malkin had "K" on his. The gesture was one of solidarity by the Penguins, who have lost six consecutive games. A Pittsburgh columnist recently cited three sources saying the team held a meeting to discuss an interim replacement for Crosby as captain. Crosby laughed off the report, saying it was a product of the Penguins" slump and Steelers" elimination from the N.F.L. playoffs. He appreciated his teammates" message at Friday's skate. "That was a nice gesture, especially at a time like this when things are tough," Crosby said. With all the adversity and some recent losses, it's important to stick together. It's good for me to be around the guys. Hopefully, I can support them and they can see I'm getting closer and closer. Crosby missed the final 41 games of last season and first 20 games of this season after sustaining concussions in the N.H.L. Winter Classic last year and in his next game against Tampa Bay. He returned to the lineup Nov. 21 and had two goals and two assists in a 5-0 win over the Islanders. He played seven more games, but after a game against the Bruins Dec. 5, his concussion symptoms returned. The Penguins have not reported that he sustained a concussion in the game. While Crosby admitted it was difficult to be out of the lineup and not feeling well again, he said his experience makes him better equipped to handle the setback and he is more knowledgeable about concussions and their treatment. "It's a tough injury," Crosby said. It's not clear-cut all the time. I know a lot more about how I'm feeling and how to improve it, so I think to be more familiar probably helps a bit.