Penguins center Sidney Crosby has resumed skating, but team officials said yesterday that is a normal part of his rehabilitation from a high ankle sprain and not an indication his recovery is ahead of schedule.

Crosby, who was injured Jan. 18, is the reigning NHL scoring champion and MVP. He is expected back in early to mid-March.

He began skating while the team was out of town earlier this week. Yesterday, he skated in full gear at Mellon Arena before the team's practice. It was his third time on the ice since he was hurt.

Crosby was not available for comment.