Lightning’s Cernak out and Hedman a game-time decision for Game 2 against Maple Leafs

As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 2, they will have to do so without defenceman Erik Cernak. The Lightning announced on Monday that he will not play due to an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, star blue-liner Victor Hedman’s status for the match remains uncertain as he is a game-time decision. The absence of two key players could prove to be a challenging obstacle for the defending champions to overcome.


The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without defenseman Erik Cernak during their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. Star defenseman Victor Hedman will also be absent due to an undisclosed injury, with his playing status being a game-time decision, said head coach Jon Cooper in a press conference. Cernak left Tuesday’s game due to a hit to the head from Toronto’s Michael Bunting, who was ejected from the game. The NHL department of player safety announced that Bunting will have a hearing for the hit. Meanwhile, Hedman missed most of Game 1 on Tuesday. After briefly returning, he headed back to the locker room and did not finish the game. Following the game, Cooper did not have any updates on Hedman’s condition. The Lightning did receive some good news as forward Tanner Jeannot returned to practice on Wednesday and took line rushes with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Corey Perry. Jeannot has been out of the lineup since April 5 due to a right leg injury. Defenseman Ian Cole is expected to play in Thursday’s game, while Mikey Eyssimont will be absent. Game 2 can be seen on Sportsnet and SN NOW at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.


It’s never easy to see a key player sidelined, but that’s the reality facing the Tampa Bay Lightning as they prepare for Game 2 of their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Erik Cernak out and Victor Hedman a game-time decision, the defending champions will have to dig deep to secure a win and keep their playoff hopes alive. But with their depth and talent, there’s no doubt the Lightning are up for the challenge. We’ll be watching closely to see how they rise to the occasion.