With Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final moments from getting underway, the Tampa Bay Lightning confirmed that defenseman Anton Stralman would return to the lineup, giving the team a massive defensive boost against their biggest challenge of the postseason.
Meanwhile, right wing Ryan Callahan is a surprise scratch with the flu.
Stralman has been out with a lower-body injury since March 25. He’s a key piece of the team’s defense and his return is huge for a team that is still without Steven Stamkos and will have Ben Bishop miss his first game since being injured during the first period of Game 1.
The team announced just before warm ups that Callahan would not be able to suit up. He has one goal and two assists through 11 postseason contests this season.