Sources: Lightning’s Brayden Point not expected to play in Game 6 vs. Rangers

The Tampa Bay Lightning had expressed cautious optimism that center Brayden Point, who has not played since the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, would be ready to suit up for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final Saturday at Amalie Arena. But it appears Point isn’t quite recovered enough from his lower-body injury to play, sources tell Daily Faceoff.

Point is close to game-ready, however, likely to play Tampa Bay’s next contest, whether it’s a potential Game 7 against the Rangers Tuesday or Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final next week in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche. The Bolts lead the Rangers 3-2 in the Eastern Conference final and are trying to close out the series in Game 6 after rallying back from a 2-0 series deficit.

Point, 26, suffered his injury in Game 7 of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was a non-contact injury in which his leg got tangled up in the boards at Scotiabank Arena. The Lightning will eagerly welcome him when he’s ready to return. He had 14 goals in each of their championship runs in the 2020 and 2021 playoffs and had two goals in the first round against Toronto this spring.