COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sidney Crosby left the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-2 exhibition loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets early in the first period Thursday night because of a groin injury that the team said wasn't believed to be serious.

Crosby played three shifts totaling 1 minute, 37 seconds before skating to the bench about 5 minutes into the game. He then left the bench and walked to the dressing room.

Jakub Voracek, Derick Brassard and Rick Nash each had a goal and an assist, and Michael Blunden and Derek MacKenzie also scored for Columbus. Evgeni Malkin scored the Penguins' first goal and assisted on Nate Guenin's short-handed goal.

Columbus left wing Kristian Huselius and defenseman Mike Commodore did not play because of the flu and might miss the final preseason games Saturday and Sunday.

Columbus improved to 3-2-1, while Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh dropped to 1-3-1.