Less than two weeks after taking a puck to the face during a morning skate, Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Martin St. Louis returned to practice Tuesday morning, reports NHL.com. Though his status for Wednesday's game against the San Jose Sharks is in question, his participation in practice and ability to travel with the team are positive signs.
The collision with the puck forced St. Louis to the hospital, as it broke his nose and fractured his orbital bone. In addition, the impact caused his left eye to swell shut and develop a blood clot. As a result, St. Louis had to sit out for what would have been his 500th consecutive regular-season game.
The 13-year veteran has nine goals and 13 assists in 27 games so far in the 2011/12 campaign. His 22 points puts him in a three-way tie for No. 2 on the team, behind Steven Stamkos (37 points), who leads the NHL with 20 goals.
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