If everything goes according to plan for the Vancouver Canucks the team could see the return of three forwards to their lineup in the next week.
This would be a welcomed sign that the team is finally getting healthy as they approach the NHL playoffs in less than a month's time.
Pavol Demitra is back with the team after an extended absence away to be at his wife's side as she battled a serious illness. Demitra says he will need some time to practice and get back into playing shape before he is able to return.
Steve Bernier may be back with the team sooner than expected. Bernier skated with the team for the first time since March 2. Bernier has been hampered by a nagging groin injury which required sports hernia surgery. Doctors told him he would likely miss four-to-six weeks of action, but only three weeks later he is eager to play.
Mikael Samuelsson also participated in a full team practice Wednesday. Samuelsson says he is recovering well from shoulder surgery and is close to returning to the lineup.
Samuelsson and Bernier traveled with the Canucks on their two-game road trip to southern California where Vancouver will meet Los Angeles Thursday, and Anaheim on Friday.
