Steven Stamkos is skating again.
The Tampa Bay Lightning's star center, who fractured his right tibia Nov. 11 in Boston, skated for the first time Saturday in New Jersey since his horrific injury at TD Garden.
The sight represents significant progress for the 23-year-old, who had a metal rod inserted into the affected leg a day after the incident.
Stamkos is holding out hope that he can play for Team Canada in the upcoming Sochi Games, which begin Feb. 7.
He had 14 goals and nine assists at the time of his injury, and the Lightning have struggled to produce offensively in his absence.
No timetable for Stamkos' return has been set. But the fact that he's skating this soon after he was carted away in a loss to the Boston Bruins may suggest he's targeting an Olympics appearance.
Whatever the outcome of his rehab, Stamkos' progress appears to be moving in a positive direction. That's good for the Lightning and all who wish to see him play in Sochi.
