Things apparently looking up for Steven Stamkos. The  Tampa Bay Lightning star, who sat out Canada's game Friday at the world championship in Germany, said his rapid improvement from a mild concussion sustained Wednesday leads him to believe he might play Sunday if things continue an upward trend.

"I feel a lot better," Stamkos wrote Friday in an e-mail. "I rode the bike today and had no problems. I also have been receiving some great treatment here. I think I am going to skate tomorrow (Saturday), and there is a possibility I could play Sunday."

That would be a huge relief to the Lightning, which watched the 20-year-old center blossom into one of the game's most exciting and dynamic players as he tied Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby with a league-best 51 goals. Even if Stamkos ends up not playing Sunday, it sounds as if he is headed in the right direction.

Stamkos was hurt during Canada's 4-1 loss to Switzerland when he took an elbow to the jaw from defenseman Timo Helbling. Riding the bike without symptoms is important as Stamkos probably got his heart rate up to about 170. He cannot be cleared to play until he skates symptom-free in a practice. Canada has an optional skate on Saturday.