Groin pulls are very tricky injuries. Has anyone tried to skate after one? Off the ice and a during a light skate you could think it's feeling better. Than in a game you try to go from 2nd gear to 5th and rip! Remember Gomez as a Devil and Briere this year? It's a good sign Elias is on the bike at least, but him, Sutter, and the trainers have to be careful here.
Of course Sutter would rather not have Elias face round one cold. But rush him back and he's gone for the entire dance. And there is simply nothing you could do than let it play itself out.
I would assume traveling with the team is little sign he may play. He could be traveling to stay around his teammates, watch their play from the press box, and get an optional skate in.