Erik Karlsson will amazingly return to Ottawa's lineup Thursday night after partially tearing his Achilles tendon on Feb. 13. He was expected to miss four-to-six months after undergoing surgery to repair a 70 percent tear of his Achilles tendon, but managed to come back after just 10 weeks. He will be paired with Marc Methot and should get power-play time as well.

Erik Karlsson wouldn't guarantee his return to the lineup following Wednesday's practice, but it remains a possibility that he'll play before the end of the regular season. "We're just going to wait and see how things progress," he said. "I feel better and better every day, but it's still not back to normal and probably won't be for a long time." Karlsson may return from a 70 percent tear of his Achilles tendon in just 10 weeks, which is less than half the normal recovery time. His status for Thursday's contest at Washington should be clearer after the Senators' morning skate. Ottawa can clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Capitals.

Erik Karlsson participated regularly at Ottawa's practice Wednesday and it looks like he will be able to play against Washington Thursday night. "If he feels confident it's time for him to play he'll play," said coach Paul MacLean. Karlsson has been out of action since Feb. 13 after he required surgery to repair a 70 percent tear of his Achilles tendon. We'll keep you posted on his status.

Despite the fact Erik Karlsson has made a quick and impressive recovery from sliced Achilles tendon, he will not play Saturday night against Toronto. That said, there is a very good chance he will suit up in one of the Senators' games next weekend against either the Flyers on Saturday or the Bruins on Sunday.

Erik Karlsson has completely recovered from his Achilles' tendon injury, according to Senators GM Bryan Murray, but he's not ready to play yet. Karlsson still needs to get back into game shape. Still, the fact that he's looking like a viable option for the playoffs is a remarkable achievement.

Ottawa GM Bryan Murray has brought up the possibility of Erik Karlsson resuming practices next week. "Actually, we had a meeting (Tuesday) and talked a little bit," Murray said. "And I suggested maybe next week, if he feels that he's close enough to go out and spend 15 minutes at the early part of practice with the team, that would be a good thing for him and obviously a little motivation for the group." He added that Karlsson will have the final say when he'll return once he gets the green light from the doctors. Unfortunately, an exact timeline for all of that to happen is unclear especially given the severity of the injury. Achilles tendon injuries often require six months of rehab and it's only been two since Karlsson was injured against Pittsburgh. It would be pretty miraculous if he was able to come back during the playoffs, but it looks the team's front office is beaming with the possibility.

Erik Karlsson (Achilles) was on the ice Sunday. "He skated and he had his full equipment on when I saw him coming back," Senators coach Paul MacLean said. "I don't think he is close to practicing with the team. Obviously, if he has his equipment on that's a good thing." Karlsson shouldn't be counted on to play before the regular season ends and it would be surprising to even see him back during the playoffs.

Erik Karlsson (Achilles) doesn't have a timetable in place for when he'll be able to return to action, according to his agent Craig Oster. He hasn't played since Feb. 13 when his left Achilles was cut by the skate of Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke. Karlsson required surgery to repair the tendon, but he has resumed skating. "Erik is continuing to progress," Oster said in an e-mail. "He and the organization are going to ensure that he is fully healthy and at minimal risk of complications before he considers a return to play. The healing process seems to be going well. No definitive timelines."

Erik Karlsson (achilles) was on the ice with Senators skating coach Marc Power on Monday. Karlsson has missed less than two months in a recovery that was expected to take at least six months. It's not clear at this point if Karlsson will be able to surprise a lot of people by returning during the playoffs.

Erik Karlsson doesn't want to rule himself out if the Ottawa Senators get into the playoffs and have a lengthy run. "The guys have been playing great and that helps my motivation as well," Karlsson said Monday during the first intermission. "I'm looking forward to the playoffs. If that time comes, it's going to be a decision. But right now, we don't really aim to play this year." He is currently walking without a protective boot, as he continues to slowly recover from Achilles tendon surgery in mid-February. Karlsson is encouraged by his progress even if it is gradual.