According to reports from the Lightning’s game day skate, Steven Stamkos will not play in Game 2 tonight versus the Pittsburgh Penguins but Anton Stralman has a chance at returning to the lineup.
Stamkos, who has been out since April 4 with blood clot issues, attempted to remain coy regarding his status for the contest. “You’ll have to wait and see”, Stamkos said when asked about his status for Monday night. He then admitted that he would not play and once again alluded to the uncertainty of when he could return.
He also downplayed earlier reports that he had changed medications. According to Stamkos, he has been on the same injectable blood thinner since surgery.
Anton Stralman Could Return for Game 2
All indications are that Stralman will make his postseason debut tonight at Consol Energy Center.
Looks like #lightning Nikita Nesterov won't play tonight. Nothing confirmed but Anton Stralman could play his first playoff game tonight.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 16, 2016
Stralman has been out of the lineup since March 25 when he suffered a fractured fibula against the New York Islanders. Stralman’s foot was caught under him as he fell to the ice on an otherwise innocent play in front of the Lightning’s goal.
Stralman has been skating with the team but no timetable has been provided on his recovery. The Lightning originally expected him back for the second round but of course that didn’t happen. Now, it seems as if Tampa will get one of their top defensemen back just in time for an opportunity to take a 2-0 series lead over the Penguins.