Positive update on Chris Tanev ahead of Game 3.

The Calgary Flames have been giving up a lot of goals to the Edmonton Oilers in their second round series in this year's Stanley Cup finals and many have been quick to point to the absence of veteran defenseman Chris Tanev as the source of the problem, or at least part of it.

There's still no telling at what point Tanev can be expected to make his debut in this series but on Saturday the Flames got some positive signs from the defenseman when he hit the ice with his fellow teammates. The skate was an optional one for the Flames which makes Tanev's participation seem that much more positive, although again I will warn you that this by no means guarantees that Tanev will appear in Game 3.

Tanev on the sidelines has meant an increase in ice time for the likes of Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson, including on both the penalty kill and the power play with Flames head coach Darryl Sutter leaning on both for over 23 minutes a night each on average in Tanev's absence.

Prior to being injured in the first round series against the Dallas Stars, Tanev appeared in 6 playoff games for the Flames and has no goals and no assists, 8 shots on goal and 2 penalty minutes to his name.