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Sens’ Karlsson skates, less than two months after sliced Achilles

Erik Karlsson

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates his third period goal against the Florida Panthers of an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla. Thursday, March 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Steve Mitchell)

AP

There was a sight for sore eyes on the ice in Ottawa on Monday as Sens defensman Erik Karlsson skated for the first time since slicing his Achilles in mid-February.

Karlsson went through a workout with Senators power skating guru Marc Power, and looked “very good” throughout, according to CBC’s Dan Seguin.

The 22-year-old blueliner has been out of action since his left Achilles was sliced by Pittsburgh forward Matt Cooke on Feb. 14.

The cut resulted in a 70 percent laceration, an injury that required immediate surgery and prematurely ended Karlsson’s campaign.

Or so it was said at the time.

In late March, Karlsson spoke with reporters and hinted that his season might not be finished after all.

According to Don Brennan of QMI Agency, Karlsson wouldn’t say no when asked if there was a chance he could return for the playoffs, and said it was “going to be a while” before he resumed skating.

Well, “a while” turned out to be just under two weeks, suggesting his recovery might be more accelerated than originally thought.

At the time of the injury, Sens GM Bryan Murray said typical recovery lasts 3-4 months. But several people noted Karlsson’s recovery could be made easier because there was only a 70 percent laceration of the tendon, rather than full one.

A 100 percent laceration would require a “shortening” of the tendon, which often complicates the recovery process.

Karlsson, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, had 6G-4A-10PTS in 14 games prior to getting hurt. He still leads all Senators defensemen in goals.

Update: Here’s video of Karlsson skating, courtesy CBC Ottawa...