In the Lightning camp, the picture is no brighter than in the Canadian. Like the Habs, the Floridians are deprived of their first two goalkeepers since, in recent days, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brian Elliott have received positive results for COVID-19.
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The situation is so unusual that Franz Jean, the goalkeeper coach, had to put on his equipment during training on Monday. The former color-bearer of the Aigles blues of the Université de Moncton should not face the shots of the Canadian.
At a press conference, Derek Lalonde, who replaces Jon Cooper, also struggling with COVID, indicated that two American League goalkeepers would be recalled.
At the time of meeting the media, virtually, Lalonde could not put forward the name of the two doormen since the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning subsidiary, is also grappling with a COVID outbreak. It was finally the Quebecer Maxime Lagacé and the Swede Hugo Alnefelt who joined the Lightning.
Mikhail Sergachev, Anthony Cirelli, Pierre-Édouard Bellemare and Andrej Sustr are the other Lightning players whose names appear on the list of those affected by the virus.
The contagion has even spread to coaches. For a second game in a row, Cooper won’t be behind his team’s bench, as will his assistant, Rob Zettler.
Stamkos wants to continue
Faced with such a massacre, many are wondering if the NHL should not extend the suspension of its activities.
“It’s not the ideal situation, but I don’t think it’s going to change in the next few weeks,” said Steven Stamkos. You cannot postpone matches continuously. We have already played seasons that stretched out over the summer. We canceled our presence at the Olympics, so that gives us a window to insert matches. “
“If we can do it safely, we have to play games. If the guys are vaccinated or got their third dose, usually they’ll feel great even if they test positive, ”added the Lightning captain.
Point is approaching a return
If the Lightning will be deprived of a few big hitters due to COVID-19, it could find one of its main soldiers.
On the sidelines since November 21 with an upper body injury, Brayden Point could return to the lineup after missing the last 14 games.
“It’s coming,” he said without confirming that he would face the Canadiens. I’m a little rusty, but I feel good. It was exciting to finally take part in a full training. “
By the time his injury occurred, the center had 13 points, including seven goals, in 16 games.
“If he plays tomorrow [mardi soir], its impact is expected to be significant. It will bring energy to our massive attack, ”said Lalonde.
In 14 games without Nikita Kucherov (he only played the first three games of the season) and Point, the Lightning have maintained an 11-2-1 record, the league’s best record in that span.
A good proof that depth is not a problem within this organization.