Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point is doubtful for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Florida Panthers after suffering an apparent lower-body injury Saturday night.
However, Lightning coach Jon Cooper told reporters Monday that Point would be day-to-day after Tuesday’s opener.
Point crumpled to the ice in the first period in Game 7 against Toronto after his right leg gave way along the side boards. He writhed in pain, grabbing at his right hip ahead of the first intermission. He tried to return, coming off after a 25-second shift early in the second period, but couldn’t continue.
“He gave it a go,” Cooper said Saturday night. “He was not going to the room. He was going to stay on the bench the whole time, but he couldn’t go.”
Cooper didn’t give an update on Point’s injury or status until Monday.
Point had four points (two goals, two assists) in the series against the Maple Leafs. Point scored a league-high 28 goals combined in the previous two postseasons, both resulting in Stanley Cup titles for the Lightning, who are attempting a three-peat.
Point had 58 points (28 goals, 30 assists) in 66 games in the 2021-22 regular season.
–Field Level Media
