Penguins' Crosby returns to ice following bout with mumps; questionable for Thursday

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have cleared a large bump in the road.

Superstar center Sidney Crosby skated for the first time since being diagnosed with the mumps, skating on his own prior to a full team practice.

General manager Jim Rutherford indicated that head coach Mike Johnston will decide whether Crosby participates in Thursday's morning skate ahead of the Penguins' game against the Colorado Avalanche.

Crosby, who has nine goals and 26 assists, has dropped to a tie for fourth in the NHL's scoring race.