Okposo skates, is progressing on schedule
Kyle Okposo of the Islanders battles for the puck between Blackhawks players Dustin Byfuglien, left, and Duncan Keith in the first period. (March 2, 2010) Credit: David Pokress
For a skidding Islanders team and its dispirited fan base, there is some hope on the horizon.
Injured forward Kyle Okposo, who suffered a preseason shoulder injury in September, skated with full gear on for the first time Saturday.
This latest step is the most significant in Okposo's recovery from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, an injury suffered during a preseason special-teams scrimmage.
Considering Okposo was slated to begin skating at some point in December, the news comes as an encouraging sign that he is progressing according to schedule.
"It's a big [milestone]," Okposo told Newsday. "It's been a long road. It feels great to just get on the ice and handle the puck a little bit. It's fun."
The 22-year-old forward, who skated and took shots before his team's 11:30 a.m. practice at Nassau Coliseum Saturday, still can't predict exactly when he'll return, but he hopes that day will come soon.
"It's obviously a big step to put full gear on, so hopefully it's not too far away," he said. "Hopefully, it's sooner rather than later for me."
Okposo began skating on his own without gear a week and a half ago and has been following his regular rehab regimen to strengthen his shoulder.
Okposo told Newsday that he had a lingering shoulder issue heading into this season and aggravated it during the preseason scrimmage.
"It's getting there,'' he said, "so we'll see how it progresses from here."
Robbed of the first two months of what he hoped to be a breakout season - his entry-level contract is up at season's end - Okposo is anxious to get back and help his struggling team.
"It's frustrating because you can't do much about it. Obviously, the guys are playing hard and trying to win. Things just aren't going our way right now," he said. "I want to do whatever I can to help us win."
The Islanders - losers of 16 of 17 games after falling to the Rangers, 2-0, Friday night at Madison Square Garden - can reciprocate his anticipation.
Said coach Jack Capuano, "He's a guy that has a great deal of experience at a young age, plays a lot of minutes, gives you another character guy in the room, and on top of that, he's a pretty good player - a guy that can add some offense to your hockey team.
"For a guy that's been out as long as he's been out, it's got to be a good feeling for him. Don't know a time frame on it, but it's good to see him back on the ice."
More Islanders
