From Canadiens.com (Manny Almela):

The Capitals can breathe a little easier this weekend, but the same can’t be said for the Bruins and Predators. Word on the street is that Saku Koivu will back much sooner than later.

On the shelf for his team’s last 12 games with a lower body injury, the Canadiens’ captain is in the final push of his month-long recovery.

“When the team is winning, it’s a lot easier to ease into your return to the lineup,” said Koivu, who had amassed 22 points in 28 games before being injured against the Lightning on Dec. 11. “At this point of my career, I’ve had enough injuries in my day to know that rushing things is never a good idea.”

Even though he won’t be ready soon enough to stare down Alex Ovechkin or test longtime teammate Jose Theodore on Saturday when the Habs face the Caps, Koivu is making great progress. Having taken part in his first all-out practice with his teammates on Friday, Koivu is putting the finishing touches on his comeback and rounding himself into game shape.

“It’s not really a question of discomfort or strength at this point,” described Koivu. “When you start skating again after a few weeks of being inactive, there is always an adaptation period. I’ll be back once I’m at 100 percent and I’ll be ready.”