After a sprained ankle kept him off the ice for 28 of the past 31 games, Sidney Crosby returns to the lineup when the Penguins face the New York Islanders tonight at Mellon Arena.

PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby, sidelined for 28 of the Pittsburgh Penguins' last 31 games with a sprained right ankle, went through an optional practice Wednesday without problems and plans to play tonight against the New York Islanders.

Crosby, who has missed the Penguins' last seven games, accompanied the team on a two-game road trip Monday and Tuesday, but did not play in either game. The Penguins lost to the Islanders 4-1 Monday and beat the Devils 2-0 Tuesday.

Crosby was hurt Jan. 18 against Tampa Bay and didn't play again until facing the Lightning in Tampa on March 4. He played three games that week, but hasn't played since scoring two goals March 9 against the Capitals.

"I feel strong. I feel a lot better than I did coming back the first time, a lot more confident," Crosby said Wednesday.

When he plays tonight, Crosby will center a line that includes Marian Hossa, the forward acquired from Atlanta at the trading deadline last month. Hossa was out with a knee injury when Crosby made his brief return earlier this month.

Crosby, last season's NHL scoring champion, was leading the league again in scoring when he was hurt in January. He had two goals and two assists in his three games earlier this month, before the ankle began bothering him again.