The countdown to Erik Karlsson's return to game action continues to intensify with just two regular season games remaining on the San Jose Sharks' schedule.
While he appears to be inching closer to returning, there's still a chance he doesn't take the ice until the playoffs start.
Karlsson participated in team practice in Edmonton on Wednesday as the Sharks prepare for their final meeting against the dysfunctional Oilers. Although Karlsson has skated by himself as part of his rehab from a lower-body injury, this is the first time he has been seen practicing with the team in over a month.
There is no word yet if Karlsson will suit up in one of the Sharks' last two games of the season. He has told the media, however, that he plans to be fully ready to play when the Sharks kick off the first round of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs at home against the Vegas Golden Knights.
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Karlsson hasn't played since Feb. 26 when the Sharks made their only trip of the season to Boston to face the Bruins. That was the fifth consecutive game he played after missing a month with a lower-body injury. San Jose has gone 7-8-1 in the defenseman's absence, including a six-game winning streak followed by a seven-game skid.
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In addition to Karlsson, injured Sharks Melker Karlsson and Lukas Radil also participated in the practice in Edmonton on Wednesday. There is no word yet if the two forwards will be cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Oilers.
