Jesper Fast (sprained knee) skated in a regular jersey at Thursday's morning skate, Newsday's Steve Zipay reports.

Fast (sprained knee) skated in a regular jersey at Thursday's morning skate, Newsday's Steve Zipay reports.

Analysis:

Fast had been able to skate in a non-contact fashion over the preceding few days. With Fast beginning to increase his involvement, coach Alain Vigneault said the forward would be about "one or two practices away" from receiving clearance to play. In accordance with that, Fast's return could come Saturday against the Flyers, but Monday's tilt with the Predators is probably a more realistic target.