More positive steps for Williams

Justin Williams is becoming an increasingly aggressive participant in practices. Williams is still wearing a “no-contact” jersey — as is Scott Parse — as he recovers from his dislocated shoulder, but Williams is shooting and has started participating in drills. Of course, he has yet to take even the slightest bump in practice, but by all indications, Williams is on the right track. Initial estimates pointed to a four-week recovery time for Williams, but Terry Murray hinted today that a week might be shaved off that estimate. It all depends on Williams’ shoulder reaching at least 80-percent strength, and Murray indicated that Williams will get examined again at the end of the week.

MURRAY: “Justin Williams, he has really accelerated himself here. He has worked extremely hard in the two weeks that he has been in the rehab part of it. He’s getting closer. He’s shooting pucks. He’s skating hard. You get to the third week and then you have to take a look and see where he’s at. Another doctor’s evaluation and there could be a green light very soon after that. It’s a very positive thing.”