Steven Stamkos injury update: Tampa Bay Lightning star set to return Friday against Washington

Rudi Schuller

Steven Stamkos injury update: Tampa Bay Lightning star set to return Friday against Washington image

Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos will return for the team's game Friday against the Washington Capitals, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

The team lost its captain during a Nov. 21 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks when he suffered a lower-body injury in the first period, according to Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper. Stamkos played just over five minutes in the contest but remained on the bench for the second and third periods.

Cooper said Wednesday that Stamkos skated with the team during the morning's practice and is still progressing back from injury.

"He wanted to be on the bench with his teammates and cheer them on," Cooper said. "I thought that was a big move for him and us."

Stamkos is tied with Victor Hedman for second on the Lightning with 20 points (seven goals) this season. Nikita Kucherov has 24 (nine goals, 15 assists).

Rudi Schuller