Lemieux Returns for Easy Practice

Mario Lemieux practiced with his Pittsburgh Penguin teammates Monday for the first time in more than three weeks.

Lemieux, who has played only one game since Dec. 3 because of an irregular heartbeat, took part in one of the more laid-back sessions since Michel Therrien took over as coach.

The 40-year-old Lemieux has been receiving medication for his condition, which is said to be under control but must be monitored.

Lemieux said he has been medically cleared to play but needs to get into playing shape.

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Wayne Gretzky is mourning the death of his grandmother, three weeks after the hockey great’s mother died.

Betty Hockin, the grandmother of the Phoenix Coyotes’ coach, died Saturday at 84 at a hospital in Brantford, Canada, after being stricken with a heart attack last month.

Hockin entered the hospital one day before daughter Phyllis Gretzky was admitted for deteriorating health from lung cancer. Hockin was released from the hospital to attend her daughter’s funeral Dec. 22.

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Colorado Avalanche center Pierre Turgeon is expected to be sidelined at least three weeks because of a strained shoulder.