JVR improving but still not ready to return

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On the surface, it looked like a very positive sign: James van Riemsdyk, dressed in a practice jerseynot a non-contact jerseycompeting on the ice, taking hits, working with the second-unit power play.

Upon closer inspection, however, while JVR continues to make progress from a concussion, he is still not ready to play. Hes missed 14 games so far.

Im not feeling any different, he said through a club spokesman.

JVRs presence on Wednesday at practice appears to be more about having an extra body to fill in for Jaromir Jagr, who had the day off because the Czech winger is still suffering from the flu.

It was good, coach Peter Laviolette said of seeing JVR on the ice with teammates in full practice. Were short on bodies so we just moved guys on the lines. We got going, but were short on bodies out there, but it was good to see him going. He moved up and down the ice good, got a lot of work on the power play. It was good.

Danny Briere said he thought JVR had lots of pop.

Van Riemsdyk would not discuss his situation with reporters.

He looks good, Scott Hartnell offered. I dont know how hes feeling or whatever. Its tough to ask a guy with a head injury, How you doing? How you doing? How you doing? Hes probably sick of those questions.

But hes skating well and looks strong on his skates and has pretty nice hands, so hopefully hell be able to be symptom-free for a while and have the confidence to get out there and get some hits and take some hits and get back in the game.

JVR is not on the docket to play Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres or even Saturday against Pittsburgh.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net

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