Penguins Center Crosby Set to Return to Ice Tonight

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

Crosby, who has missed the Penguins' past 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 clinched a playoff spot after beating the New Jersey 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 against the Capitals on March 9. . . .

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed first-round draft pick Brandon Sutter to a three-year contract and said he will report to their American Hockey League affiliate in Albany.

¿ SKIING: Lauren Ross beat Laurenne Ross with a come-from-behind win in the women's giant slalom as the U.S. Alpine Championships ended in a steady snowfall in Carrabassett Valley, Maine.

Lauren Ross had been fifth after the first run, but charged through the second heat to finish in 2 minutes 15.22 seconds for both runs and overtake Laurenne Ross. (The two are not related.) The first-run leader had a combined time of 2:15.31. Libby Ludlow finished third in 2:15.71. . . .

Women's coach Patrick Riml has resigned from the U.S. ski team after five seasons that included Lindsey Vonn's World Cup title and Julia Mancuso's Olympic gold medal. . . .

Finnish ski jumping great Janne Ahonen retired after 15 seasons at the international level.

¿ COLLEGE BASKETBALL: California fired coach Ben Braun after another disappointing season in which the Golden Bears missed the NCAA tournament.

Braun spent 12 years at Cal and made the tournament five times. But the Bears went to the NCAA tournament only once in his final five seasons. . . .