HabsWorld.net -- 

 Steve Begin is not yet ready to return, but he’s making progress. The man who went from being a waiver-wire acquisition to a key-contributor on the team has been skating for a while he says, and is still regaining his form prior to undergoing surgery.

 

 Begin’s shoulder was separated back on December 10th, and after the surgery was projected to return in early March. The shoulder has greatly improved, while the strength in his arm is still not there. Begin could return to the lineup in two weeks , at the earliest.

 

 “That’s not my decision – I’m not the boss,” said Steve after being questioned regarding his return.

 

 “My strength is not 100 per cent, but it’s better than I thought it would be. I started skating my myself a week ago and I couldn’t touch the puck. Today, I took some shots. I didn’t have all my strength, but it was OK.”

 

The key for Begin will be when he is able to participate in contact drills. His physical play is his most valuable attribute, and even when not at 100%, we know he’ll be the hardest working guy on the ice. Any sort of return will be more than welcomed, whether it be three weeks early or three weeks late.

 

An Update on Begin

The centreman has travelled with the Habs to Philadelphia, and will accompany the team to New Jersey as well. While he is not expected to dress until shortly after the All Star Break, any word of a Begin recovery making progress is a very good one.