Vancouver Canucks winger Daniel Sedin continues to make progress as he attempts to recover from a concussion.
Daniel's brother Henrik said while Daniel was concerned he could miss playoff time in the days immediately after his injury, he's steadily improved.
"Early on, maybe (Daniel had concern), but as time has moved on he's felt better and better," Henrik said.
Daniel was injured March 21 when he took an elbow in the head from Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Duncan Keith. The NHL suspended Keith five games for the infraction.
With an off day on Sunday, the Canucks don't have too many days for Daniel to practice with the team, but Henrik remains hopeful.
"If it takes him five skates to get ready, I'm guessing he would skate five times in one day," said Henrik. "That means he's going to be ready pretty quick. We'll see what happens."
While the team remains hopeful Daniel will be ready for the first round, Vancouver knows there are no guarantees when it comes to concussions. The Canucks' Western Conference rivals the Chicago Blackhawks are hoping one of their stars - C Jonathan Toews - can return from a concussion in time for the playoffs as well.
"Well, there's concern for sure," Henrik said. "With (Toews), I'm sure after a week he thought he'd be able to play in three or four days, and all of a sudden it's 20 games later and he still hasn't played.
"That's always going to be there. Until [Daniel] is back.
Daniel sits second in team scoring with 30 goals and 37 assists in 72 games played.
