Penguins star Sidney Crosby has returned to practice, but his status for next week's playoff opener remains uncertain, according to an ESPN.com report.

Crosby hasn't played since breaking his jaw last month. He took part in non-contact drills on Friday, wearing a facemask that he'll likely keep on for the duration of the postseason.

Penguins star Sidney Crosby has been cleared to resume practicing less than a month after a deflected shot fractured his jaw.

Crosby will practice with the Penguins on Friday, the team said on their website.

Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller told the Raleigh News and Observer on Thursday that Alexander Semin has a concussion and will miss the team's final two regular-season games, according to an NHL.com report.

The Hurricanes play Thursday at home against the Rangers and Saturday at the Penguins.

The Senators got a major boost Thursday when Erik Karlsson pronounced himself ready to return to game action, according to an ESPN.com report.

"I'm in tonight," Karlsson told the media after the Senators' morning skate. "I'm feeling good lately and I think it's about time to play some hockey again.

Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said he has a labral tear in his shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season, according to an NHL.com report.

Prior to a crucial game Sunday against the Ducks, the Oilers reported Nugent-Hopkins will travel to Cleveland to have his shoulder examined, with surgery a likely possibility.

OTTAWA -- Star defenseman Erik Karlsson is practicing again with the Ottawa Senators.

He underwent surgery on Feb. 14 for a torn left Achilles tendon. He was injured when Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke stepped on the back of his leg.

Defenseman Matt Greene has been activated by the Kings after getting injured in the defending Stanley Cup champions' season opener, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Kings moved Greene off injured reserve on Thursday, adding another important veteran for their playoff push.

Sidney Crosby skated before the team's practice Monday, according to an ESPn.com report.

Crosby wore a protective mask while skating with injured teammates James Neal and Paul Martin.

Coach Dan Bylsma said there is still no timetable for Crosby's return, but called it a positive step for the NHL's leading scorer.

Marc Staal skated for the third straight day Wednesday during the Rangers' morning session in Westchester.

Staal, who has not played since suffering an eye injury on March 5, is still trying to improve his conditioning and work on adjusting to his limitations. His peripheral vision is not an issue but that the vision in his right eye remains blurry.

"I have full eyesight in both eyes, just one is blurry, still," Staal said. "Things on the ice, like depth perception, are different. Just takes some getting used to."

Ilya Kovalchuk skated with the Devils for the first time since injuring his right shoulder more than two weeks ago and hopes to return soon to the lineup.

Kovalchuk would not set a timetable for his return, but coach Peter DeBoer said the Russian star probably will play before he is fully recovered, according to an ESPN.com report on Tuesday.