Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli`s status for the upcoming Game 2 against the Florida Panthers remains uncertain. Head coach Jon Cooper announced that Cirelli is considered a game-time decision after sustaining an undisclosed injury during Game 1.
Cirelli`s availability for Thursday`s contest hinges on his participation in warmups. The team will make a final determination on whether he will play based on how he feels during the pre-game skate.
The Lightning were defeated by the Panthers in Game 1 with a final score of 6-2.
The 27-year-old forward appeared to get injured early in the second period following a hit in the offensive zone. He left the game and headed to the locker room, briefly returning to the ice later in the frame, but ultimately did not play in the third period.
Cirelli`s ice time in Game 1 was limited to just 6:21, and he finished the game with a minus-2 rating.
This season, the native of Etobicoke, Ontario, was a key contributor for the Lightning, recording 27 goals and 32 assists over 80 regular-season games.
Game 2 between the Lightning and Panthers is scheduled for Thursday in Tampa Bay, with puck drop at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
Tristan Blackwood