TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos has taken another step forward in his comeback from a broken right shin by taking part in his first morning skate.

Stamkos practiced with his teammates on Thursday as they prepared for a game Thursday night against the New York Islanders. The centre had been skating on his own, or briefly joining the team on the ice at the end of workouts.

A member of Canada's Olympic team, Stamkos remains confident that he will be able to play with the Lightning and then participate in the Sochi games next month.

Stamkos has been out since he was injured Nov. 11 at Boston and needed surgery.

Stamkos had 14 goals and 23 points in 17 games before the injury.