A nation is anxiously holding its breath in anticipation of a jersey color. Tampa Bay Lightning superstar and Team Canada hopeful Steven Stamkos participated in practice on Monday afternoon and is hoping to dress for Saturday's game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Winter Olympics 2014: Steven Stamkos expected to play Saturday, make decision for Sochi
Steven Stamkos is expected to play on Saturday and will subsequently determine whether he will play in the Olympics.
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Stamkos is planning to determine his status for the 2014 Sochi Olympics at the conclusion of that game.
Stamkos said today is best he's felt yet, no issues with the 5-on-5 battle drills, said target date is Saturday to return to the lineup
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) February 3, 2014 Stamkos wore a regular white jersey on Monday and later switched to blue, which is a positive step beyond a no-contact color. He was able to practice five-versus-five situations in addition to power play scenarios and has generally been progressing towards normal participation.
Obviously, the Olympics is amplifying this situation and Stamkos’ return has been expedited as a result. He has previously stated that he would like to play in an NHL game before going to Sochi, but later expressed that he would also be open to returning in Sochi. It now seems as though North American fans will get the first crack at seeing his return.
In the event that Stamkos is unable to go to Sochi, Claude Giroux, James Neal and Martin St. Louis have been identified as primary replacements. TSN reports indicated Giroux and Neal were the front-runners, while Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun wrote that St. Louis was the likely choice.
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