Crosby returns vs. Wild after 28-game absence

The Pittsburgh Penguins are inching toward full health after getting one of the best players in the league back Tuesday.

Sidney Crosby returned to the Penguins' lineup against the Minnesota Wild. Crosby had been out of action for two months after undergoing core muscle surgery Nov. 14.

Despite being without Crosby for nearly half the season, the Penguins have been one of the NHL's top teams. Pittsburgh went 18-6-4 without Crosby in the lineup with his most recent ailment - the best record in the league during that span, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

Crosby had five goals and 17 points in 17 games before hitting the shelf. The Penguins have won three straight and currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division.