Lightning Players Back on the Ice at Practice
The lines may be getting closer to where they need to be down the stretch.
The Tampa Bay Lightning returned to practice on Tuesday afternoon after their 7-0 shutout win against the Flyers on Saturday.
Lightning fans are able to take a sigh of relief as Tanner Jeannot and Erik Cernak were both full participants, taking regular shifts throughout practice.
Cernak had to be helped off the ice during Saturday’s game, and appeared to be grabbing the back of his knee. His status was unknown until Tuesday. Jeannot has been out of the lineup since February 13 and has continued rehabbing a lower body injury.
The lines may be getting closer to where they need to be.
The Lightning have struggled to find consistency in the lines this season. The good news is, they may be getting closer post-trade deadline.
Newly acquired defenseman, Matt Dumba was back on the right side, while Nick Perbix shifted up and over to the left. Dumba logged 20:04 of ice time on Saturday night and will continue to be welcomed help on the blue line.
Forward Anthony Duclair slotted back into the second line with captain Steven Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli. Duclair set the tone early on Saturday night when he made it 5-0 and put home a feed from Stamkos.
“He came as advertised. He can really add a dimension to our top-six (forwards) and I think he did that," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said on Saturday. "He’s a blessed skater and he showed his hands, especially on his goal.”
Expectations are high and the race to the playoffs is tight. The Lightning will be back at practice on Wednesday ahead of their matchup against the Rangers Thursday night.