GRAND RAPIDS - Andreas Athanasiou has not played in a game since April 21, but he expects to be ready for his postseason transition from the Detroit Red Wings to the Grand Rapids Griffins by Thursday.

The forward, who was allowed to tend to a family matter after the Red Wings were eliminated from the playoffs, rejoined the Griffins on Saturday and went through his second practice Monday.

"No, it's fine. You kind of get right back into it," said Athanasiou. "I had a good skate the other day and I didn't feel bad after being off for a little bit."

Athanasiou expects to be ready for Thursday's Central Division finals opener at Lake Erie, but coach Todd Nelson was a little more coy. He wants to ensure Athanasiou is game-ready before he green lights his availability, though there seems little question about the outcome.

"Oh, he's going to play it's just a question of when," Nelson said. "We're undecided and we'll see where we're at (Wednesday) and we will go from there."

Athanasiou, who skated mostly with Eric Tangradi and Tyler Bertuzzi, will get in one more practice before the series begins. The Griffins, who haven't played since April 26, travel to Cleveland on Tuesday and practice Wednesday.

What did Nelson think of his progress?

"Well, it's only been two practices but I thought the first day he looked good and he looked good today (Monday)," he said. "But, again, we want to get him to a point where he left off about 10 games ago.

"Shouldn't take long at all, but it doesn't help him help the team if he's not quite ready. He's extremely close."

Athanasiou hasn't played for the Griffins since he was recalled Feb. 5. He also spent nearly two weeks with the Red Wings in November.

In all, Athanasiou had eight goals and 16 points in 26 games with the Griffins, and nine goals and 14 points in 37 games with the Red Wings. He also played in all five playoff games against Tampa Bay, scored his first postseason goal in Game 3 but saw his ice time diminish as the series went on.

Nelson said Athanasiou appeared to gain confidence with his time with the Red Wings.

"Any time you play in the National Hockey League, and then get to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs, you get that confidence when you get back here," Nelson said. "You get a lot more comfortable.'

Athanasiou also has playoff experience with the Griffins. Last year he had five goals and nine points as the Griffins reached the conference finals. That, he said, makes it more interesting with his return.

"Playoff hockey is always a fun time," he said. "The weather starts getting nice and everyone knows what they're playing for."

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.