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Steven Stamkos is risen!
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he plays.” - Mathew 28:6, sorta.
Steven Stamkos is two weeks removed from surgery on Nov. 12 to repair his right tibia, which he fractured when crashing into his own net against the Boston Bruins. For the rest of us mortals, that might mean hobbling around on crutches. Stamkos being Stamkos, he looks ready to start speed-skating laps around the rink.
“I didn’t think I’d be walking on my own without a boot or crutch two weeks after surgery but it’s pretty amazing the work that can be done. I’ve already started rehabbing. I feel pretty good,” he said.
(That sound you just heard was off-season trainer Gary Roberts' asking price tripling.)
Stamkos told reporters that he fully expects to play again this season, which really wasn’t in doubt given his expected rehab time, but still nice to hear.
“I’d like to think that being able to walk without the crutches or the walking boot is a good sign,” he said.
So what does this mean for the Olympics? Steve Yzerman, his Tampa Bay Lightning GM and the architect of the Canadian Olympic team, tells ESPN.com:
"It's one in the same, we want a healthy Stammer," Yzerman said. "And not just for this year, but for a long time to come. The No. 1 underlining factor is that we're going to make sure we do what's best for Steven's long-term health. He's 23 years old. He's got a long career ahead of him. We're not going to do anything that jeopardizes him. He's not coming back before he's 100 percent ready."
While one appreciate Yzerman’s situation, let’s face it: Stamkos as 90 percent goes to Sochi. And it’s getting harder to believe he won’t go. He’ll be named to the roster for sure, and injury replaced if necessary. But if he’s already free of crutches or a boot … well, how can you not be tantalized?
Whatever happens, Stamkos said he’s trying to stay positive.
“Before I went in, I was still trying to pinch myself and hope that this was a dream. But when reality sets in, you realize this is the card you’ve been dealt,” he said.
We’re just rather excited that Stamkos can one day have an Adamantium skeleton fused to his bones, considering his healing prowess. Try to head-shot THAT, NHL …
Here’s the presser:
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is the editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
