TAMPA, Fla. _ In a world without the coronavirus, Steven Stamkos might be nearing a return to the ice. The Lightning would be playing their final game on Saturday, getting ready for the playoffs, and their captain would be part of the plan.
Stamkos had surgery to repair a core muscle injury nearly five weeks ago, on March 2. His recovery was originally slated to take six to eight weeks. Under the original schedule, that meant maybe in the first round of the playoffs, more likely the second.
The NHL's pause while the world fights COVID-19 means Stamkos has well over eight weeks to reach full health. If the playoffs happen this summer, Stamkos will be ready.
