Nathan Horton (concussion) took to the ice with strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides before practice on Wednesday, but he isn't believed to be close to returning to Boston's lineup. "He's in a good spot emotionally," coach Claude Julien said. "Everything I do with him is small talk - how're you doing today? - and he's looking good, he seems to have good color, and he seems happy. Those kinds of things are encouraging." Horton has been out of action since Jan. 22 and there's no timetable for his return, but this should be viewed as a positive step.