Letang, Niskanen improving

Tuesday, 12 February 2013 16:32

Written by Shelly Anderson

Injured defenseman Kris Letang and Matt Niskanen, after practicing with their teammates, both said they felt pretty good. Coach Dan Bylsma said depending on how their bodies react, they could be upgraded to game-time decisions Wednesday when Ottawa visits Consol Energy Center.

Niskanen has been skating separately from the team and took the morning skate Sunday. He had Letang skated Monday even though the team had a day off.

Niskanen, who has a right ankle injury, said he was "taking the next step" by pariticpating in a non-game day practice that featured some puck battles and bumpng. He said he he "felt really good. Today was the best I've felt since the injury happened" Jan. 31 in a game at Ottawa. "There's a few spots where I have a little bit of an issue ... but it's coming along good. I'm feeling better and better every day."

Letang, who has an undisclosed injury that could be something along the lines of a groin issue, remained on the ice long after the official end of practice.

"I felt pretty good," Letang of his first practice with teammates since he got hurt during a Feb. 3 game at Washington. "We'll talk from the doc and go from there."

Bylsma confirmed that Letang and Niskanen will be in the lineup just as soon as they are physically ready. Who comes out of the lineup remains to be seen.