TAMPA Lightning Jon Cooper, coach, stated that he expects Game 5 to feature the same lineup. This means center. Brayden Point He will be absent for his fourth consecutive game in the Stanley Cup Final.
Point skated with team again in advance of Game 6 in Tampa. Colorado Avalanche The series is now at 3-2.
“It’s difficult for everyone because everyone cares deeply. There is no animosity, or anything similar. Cooper said that they are just difficult conversations because everyone wants the same thing.”
Point missed the Lightning’s second round and third-round series wins because of a lower body injury that he suffered during Game 7 against the Lightning. Toronto Maple Leafs May 14th, He played the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final in Denver. He received an assist in their Game 1 defeat, but clearly lacked the same level of skating that he has with the Lightning. For the final three games, he was removed from the lineup and replaced with Riley Nash.
Cooper acknowledged that Point has had a difficult time, but Cooper noted that he is still motivated to play despite being hindered from the injury.
“It’s difficult because players are used playing at a certain level. Cooper stated that players who don’t feel at ease playing at the level they are used to can be almost disadvantaged. “This is unfortunate because it’s such a serious injury. At this time of year everyone is trying to get back in the lineup. There are certain things that you can’t do. It can be difficult for players to not do what they are used to.
The Lightning coach didn’t rule out the possibility that Point (who has more playoff goals (30) in his last three postseasons than any other player) could be back in the lineup for Game 7 in Denver on Tuesday.
“He’s still trying to get better and is still pushing on. Who knows what the future holds? You never know what the outcome of the series will be. Cooper stated that it’s difficult on these guys as they are such fierce competitors.”