Blake Wheeler, the veteran forward for the New York Rangers, is back on the ice, skating on his own as he continues his recovery from a lower-body injury he suffered in February.
Wheeler's injury occurred during a game against the Montreal Canadiens, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season. At the time it was a tough blow to the season if someone who willingly took a discount last Summer to play on Broadway.
While Wheeler's return to the lineup for the playoffs remains uncertain, his presence is a positive sign. His experience and leadership from his decade with the Winnipeg Jets, helped the Rangers throughout the season, and having him around again is a welcome sight for the team.
As the presidents-Trophy winning and franchise record setting Rangers prepare for their playoff opener against the Washington Capitals on Sunday at Madison Square Garden, Wheeler's determination to return to play should further inspire the boys to go far enough where he'll have a chance to crack the lineup again.