Steven Stamkos practiced with the Lightning on Monday, and was encouraged enough by his performance to project a return to the lineup later this week.

Stamkos said today is best he's felt yet, no issues with the 5-on-5 battle drills, said target date is Saturday to return to the lineup — Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) February 3, 2014

Stamkos also spent time skating with the team's first power-play unit, another signal that he's inching closer to seeing his first game action since November.

The forward's Olympic availability will presumably be based on how he feels as he continues to practice and after the game against Detroit, if he is indeed able to play.