Downie update

Wing Steve Downie is getting closer to a return to the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup.

Downie, who suffered a high right ankle sprain Dec. 2 against Boston, has skated four times in the past couple weeks, though not with the team. And coach Guy Boucher said Downie could start practicing hard – and maybe playing in a game – in a week or so.

"I'm starting to get hope now," Downie said. "It's getting more exciting now as it's feeling better and better."

Downie said he still wears a walking boot, but it's mostly precautionary, as he's not dealing with as much pain. "You have bad days, you have good days," he said.