Center Sidney Crosby participated in the Penguins' practice at Southpointe today with no apparent problem, and seems increasingly optimistic about playing in their season-opener Friday night against the New York Rangers at Mellon Arena.

Crosby said the injured groin he has been nursing for about a week "feels pretty good," and that, "as long as everything stays the way it is, it should be good to go."

The workout lasted about 75 minutes, and Crosby confirmed that he tested his groin more aggressively than he had during practice Tuesday.

"I did a lot more battling and things like that in the corners," he said. "Leaning on guys, and stuff. I was happy with the way it felt."

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