Cernak had to leave Game 1 Tuesday after taking a high hit from Toronto's Michael Bunting after just 9:27 TOI and will be out Thursday for Game 2. The 25-year-old is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and will hopefully be back at some point in the first round.
Cernak has missed the Lightnings' previous two games due to a lower-body injury and will return to Tampa Bay's lineup Tuesday vs. Philadelphia. The 25-year-old has a goal, 11 points, 61 SOG and 42 PIMs through 53 games played before the injury.
Cernak missed the Lightnings' last two games as he served his suspension for an elbow to Buffalo's Kyle Okposo but will return to the lineup Tuesday. The 25-year-old bruising defenseman has a goal, 10 assists, 57 SOG, and 42 PIMs across 51 games played prior to his suspension.
Cernak left Saturday's game in Nashville with an undisclosed injury and did not return. However, Cernak was on the ice for Monday's practice and is expected to play Tuesday vs. the Senators. Cernak is goalless in his last 11 games, registering three assists, 12 shots, 35 hits and 16 blocked shots.
Cernak has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury and will miss at least three more according to the head coach Jon Cooper. With Cernak, Jan Rutta and Zach Bogosian all sidelined, Frederik Claesson and Andrej Sustr will remain with the Lightning.
Cernak suffered a lower-body injury on Thursday vs. the Canucks and is questionable to play Saturday vs. the Stars. According to head coach Jon Cooper, Ryan McDonagh, who is also a game-time decision, has a better chance of playing than Cernak.
