Lightning’s Anthony Cirelli a game-time decision ahead of Game 2

The Tampa Bay Lightning might be without one of their key players in a crucial game.

On Thursday, head coach Jon Cooper revealed that forward Anthony Cirelli is going to be a game-time decision for Game 2 of the team’s Atlantic Division Semifinals against the Florida Panthers.

According to Cooper, Cirelli will take warm-ups prior to the game, with the team making a final decision afterward.

“We’ll see if he can take warmups,” Cooper told the media. “If he is cleared to play, he’ll play.”

Cirelli’s questionable status arose following a premature exit to the opening game of this postseason edition of The Battle of Florida. The 27-year-old left the game after playing just 6:21 across eight shifts on Monday night, though it hasn’t been disclosed what exactly Cirelli injured.

The Etobicoke, Ontario native was a -2, putting one shot on goal in Game 1. Nick Paul ended up taking over as second-line center after Cirelli’s departure. The Lightning ended up losing the game, 6-2.

Paul was back centering the Bolts’ second line during the morning skate, right in the middle between Brandon Hagel and Jake Guentzel.

Cirelli entered the playoffs after the best regular season of his NHL career. Though he missed a couple of games due to injury, he posted career highs in goals (27), assists (32) and points (59), eclipsing his previous high of 45 points that he notched last season.

Cirelli has been a solid playoff performer for Tampa over his career. In 42 postseason games, he’s scored 17 goals and 25 assists for 42 points, including 12 during the Lightning’s run to the Stanley Cup in 2021.

The Lightning are looking to get back into the series after laying an egg against the Cats in Game 1. The returning Matthew Tkachuk played inspired, scoring twice in the victorious effort for the defending champions. Puck drop on Thursday is set for a little after 6:30 p.m. ET.