TAMPA

Good news Canada, Steven Stamkos is on the mend.

The Tampa Bay Lightning centre went for a twirl here with contact Thursday morning and told reporters his leg feels the best it has since he broke his tibia 10 weeks ago.

While he’s not totally committed to going to Sochi to play with Team Canada, Stamkos’ recovery is moving in the right direction and he was scheduled to have another X-ray Thursday night.

If all goes well he could play the week before the regular season stops to make way for the Olympic break Feb. 8.

“February was a target date. We’ve got a couple of games before the break and I’d love to be able to come back and play,” said Stamkos.

Stamkos was on the ice for the Bolts’ morning skate, took a fall and got back up immediately. He felt that was another good step in his recovery.

“I thought (Thursday) was the best its felt. That’s a positive,” said Stamkos. “Every day I’ve gotten on the ice trying to get a little better each time. A lot of it is physical but a lot of it is mental as well trying different things that you can trust the healing process is taking place.

“Hopefully all is good (with the X-ray) and we can keep progressing.”

Stamkos laughed when it was suggested he was 91%.

“I have never had an injury like this but I’d like to think that I’m ahead,” said Stamkos. “I’m feeling good. I know I’m not 100% but it’s getting there.”

bruce.garrioch@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @sungarrioch