Steven Stamkos’ Return Appears Imminent

Steven Stamkos‘ return to the Tampa Bay Lightning took another step in the positive direction on Wednesday afternoon.

Lightning’s Coach Jon Cooper said that although Stamkos probably won’t play against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at Amalie Arena his injury status should now be considered day-to-day.

“I think we can start putting him in the day-to-day category right now.” Lightning Coach Jon Cooper told reporters after practice Wednesday afternoon. “I don’t see him playing against Detroit but after that I’d say it’s getting really close.”

“We’ve watched him. He’s been bumped, he’s had to fall down and pick himself up, and there hasn’t been any scares so for me that’s a good sign.”

Stamkos, injured against the Red Wings on November 15th, has missed the Lightning’s last 58 games. They were 10-6-1 when he was injured and have gone 27-23-8 in his absence. Currently, the Bolts are playing their best hockey of the season posting a record of 15-5-3 since February 4th.

“Today was probably the best day yet,” Stamkos told reporters after practice. “Doing better than last time we talked and really feeling better each day now.”

“If you’re going in, you’re going in to be the player I can be to help this team win. Not to just get out there for the sake of saying I got out there and maybe not giving my teammates the best chance to win after everything they’ve done to stay in the race.

Stamkos’ return should help the Bolts bolster their offense over the seasons final weeks. With seven games remaining the Bolts trail the Boston Bruins by three points for the second wild card in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Eastern Conference. The Lightning have a game in hand on the Bruins.

The Lightning’s remaining games:

Detroit Red Wings – Thursday, March 30th.

Montreal Canadiens – Saturday, April 1st

Dallas Stars – Sunday, April 2nd

@ Boston Bruins – Tuesday, April 4th

@ Toronto Maple Leafs – Thursday, April 6th

@ Montreal Canadiens- Friday, April 7th

Buffalo Sabres – Sunday, April 9th