During the Tampa Bay Lightning's Game 1 matchup against the Florida Panthers, forward Anthony Cirelli exited early after suffering an injury in the second period. With Cirelli being one of the Lightning's most important players, there naturally has been plenty of concern about his availability for Game 2.
While speaking to reporters, including NHL.com's Benjamin Pierce, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper provided an update on Cirelli. According to the Lightning bench boss, the team will see if Cirelli is able to participate in warmups and then decide if he will play in Game 2.
The Lightning will undoubtedly be hoping that Cirelli feels good enough to return to action in Game 2. They are already down 1-0 in the series to the Panthers, and being without a star forward like Cirelli would only make things more difficult for them in Game 2.
Cirelli, 27, is coming off an impressive regular-season with the Lightning. In 80 games this campaign, he set new career highs with 27 goals, 32 assists, 59 points, and a plus-30 rating. Replacing this kind of offense would be incredibly challenging for the Lightning, so we will need to wait and see if he plays from here.
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