PHOTO: Steven Stamkos returns to the ice in full gear

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos has scored goals at a borderline miraculous rate throughout his NHL career. But now he's attempting a medical miracle in the early stages of 2014.

Stamkos sustained a broken tibia when he crashed into his net during a game in Boston in early November. It's an injury which has usually sidelined hockey players for at least three months. But the former Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy winner is attempting to return from his injury time to compete for Team Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympic games in Sochi, Russia. 

On Thursday afternoon in Calgary, Stamkos - wearing a red no-contact jersey - stepped onto the ice in full gear at the tail end of a Lightning practice session. It's another baby step on the long road back to full health for one of the NHL's most explosive talents: