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Tampa Bay Lightning Injury Updates (Stamkos and Kucherov)

There are a few injury updates prior to the Tampa Bay Lightning meeting the New York Islanders in the Easter Conference Finals.

There are updates coming out of Edmonton as the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare for their Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the New York Islanders.

While well rested, the Lightning haven’t quite had enough time off yet to see everyone fully heal. They’re missing a couple of key pieces, but the news isn’t all bad.

Stamkos Still Out

First, Lightning and head coach Jon Cooper announced that Steven Stamkos will miss the entire Eastern Conference Finals due to his undisclosed injuries. There was hope the team might have him back at some point during the series, but that is no longer case based on this announcement.

There could be changes in his status depending on the length of the series but for now, it appears the team will remain without one its best scorers. Cooper did not provide any other details. Stamkos has not been available since having surgery for a core muscle injury on March 2.

Kucherov Back In

Second, the Athletic’s Joe Smith reports that first-line forward Nikita Kucherov is expected to be available Monday for Game 1 of the series. Kucherov — who has four goals and 16 points in 13 games so far in these playoffs — left during Game 5 against the Boston Bruins. it wasn’t believed he had suffered anything long-term and his return confirms that he should be fine.

Defenseman Jan Rutta is also out for the Lightning.

Tampa is the deepest and most skilled roster in the East but they need to stay relavtively injury free if they want to beat a very hot Islanders team.

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