Steven Stamkos inching toward return to Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said he is close to returning to the lineup on the heels of participating in every drill during Wednesday's practice.

"It's progressing really well," said Stamkos, who had arthroscopic surgery for a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee on Nov. 17.

"Everything has gone according to plan. You just want to keep progressing every day and feeling comfortable and confident on the ice. Today was probably the best day yet."

Stamkos, who was expected to miss four to six months after the surgery, practiced on a line with Yanni Gourde and Adam Erne. He also participated with the Lightning's second power-play unit for the first time since his return to practice.

Jon Cooper deemed the superstar as day-to-day, although both the coach and Stamkos admitted that they felt he is unlikely to play against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Tampa Bay (37-29-9) hosts the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday and the Dallas Stars the following day to wrap up a four-game homestand.

Stamkos was off to a fast start this season with 20 points in 17 games at the time of the injury. The 27-year-old is in the first season of an eight-year deal agreed upon shortly before free agency on July 1.

Tampa Bay's top pick in 2009, Stamkos has 321 goals in 329 regular-season games, including a career-high and NHL-leading 60 in 2011-12.