The Lightning entered the Stanley Cup Finals with several key players against the Dallas Stars on Saturday and were able to cope with injuries the team faced during an impressive run to the Eastern Conference Championship.
The biggest question is that of two-time Richard Trophy winner Stamkos, who has been chasing the NHL title for 12 seasons. He has not played this postseason yet due to a lower body injury.
He finally donned a game jersey after the East Island Finals’ clinic on Thursday – following a Game 6 win over the New York Islanders – but for the first time since 2015 to celebrate on the Lightning to advance to hockey’s biggest stage.
Speaking with the media on Friday, Tampa Bay general manager Julian Brisboys did not seem optimistic at any point about the captain’s return, but only went so far as to discuss Game 1.
“He’s still rehab. We haven’t rejected him,” Briseboy said. “I don’t expect him in the lineup [Saturday]. ”
Stamkos is skating with teammates, but there is still no official timetable for his return.
As a result – as they now have three rounds – the Lightning will have to flex their depth as they shoot for the franchise’s second Stanley Cup championship and the first since 2004.
“You need very good players to get to this point.” “Once you have a good team to reach in the playoffs, it is about to find a way.
“At this point, you have two teams who have found their way to the finals, and one of us is going to find a way to lift the big trophy.”
Point was injured during Game 2 of the East Finals against the Islanders. He missed Games 3 and 5, while Games 4 and 6 were playing less than 100 percent.
Meanwhile, Cirelli scored a series-clinching goal in overtime on Thursday night, following which his right knee was injured in a second-round clash with Islanders captain Anders Lee.
Cirelli bounced back in the third round and provided the winner, as reported by coach John Cooper “basically on one leg”.
“Apparently, I was in a little pain there,” said Sirelli, “but I was fine and lucky to finish the game.”
Bindu evades a question about how he feels.
“I think everyone on both sides has something they’re dealing with,” Point said. “You get up here just a little tired. It’s just about competition.”
The Lightning defeated the Calgary Flames for their first title in 2004 and lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the final round in 2015.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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