Predators' Johansen ahead of schedule in recovery from thigh injury

Though Nashville Predators fans are still mourning their Stanley Cup Final loss, the team's No. 1 center, Ryan Johansen, offered some good news Tuesday.

Johansen's ahead of schedule in his recovery from emergency thigh surgery and expects he'll be able to resume skating in a couple of weeks, he told Robby Stanley of NHL.com.

The forward underwent the operation following an overtime loss in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Anaheim Ducks.

Johansen was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome, which, in severe cases, can be limb- and life-threatening.

In his first full season in a Predators uniform, Johansen recorded 14 goals and 61 points in 82 games. Before his injury, he had 13 points in 14 playoff games.