Injury Updates On Two Vital Tampa Bay Lightning Players

The Tampa Bay Lightning are continuing to face injury concerns ahead of Game 4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Defenseman Erik Cernak will miss his third consecutive game due to an injury sustained from an illegal hit to the head by Michael Bunting in Game 1.

Cernak's absence is a significant loss for the Lightning, who will likely rely on veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian to fill the void.

Erik Cernak will not play Game 4, per Cooper. He has not been ruled out for the series.

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) April 23, 2023

Michael Bunting has been suspended for 3 playoff games for an illegal check to the head and interference against Tampa Bay’s Erik Cernak, via @NHLPlayerSafety.pic.twitter.com/aY8TnNYJ6N

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 19, 2023

Meanwhile, the status of Brayden Point, the Lightning's top scorer, is also in question.

Despite returning to play after a questionable hit from Morgan Rielly in Game 3, the Lightning are exercising caution with Point's condition. The team will be hoping to have Point in the lineup as they aim to level the series after falling behind 2-1.

Cernak's contributions to the team cannot be understated, averaging 19:14 minutes per game this season, and his potential return later in the series could provide a much-needed boost to the Lightning's defense.

Jon Cooper calls Morgan Rielly a "super super human being" but didn't like his collision with Brayden Point: "Was the incident reckless? For sure, and it looked awful."

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 23, 2023

Brayden Point left the game with an apparent injury and chaos broke out on the ice 😳 pic.twitter.com/JW89Eo9PTN

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 23, 2023

On the other hand, Point's offensive contributions are crucial to the team's success, having scored 51 goals and 95 points during the regular season.

The Lightning will need to rely on their depth to overcome these injuries and continue their playoff run as they look to come out on top against the Maple Leafs. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports