Steven Stamkos returns to Lightning in Game 7 loss
Tampa Bay star hadn't played since March 31 due to blood clots
Steven Stamkos made his post-season debut for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Game 7 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Lightning captain hadn't played since March 31 after a blood clot required him to undergo surgery.
He started the game on a line with Ondrej Palat and Ryan Callahan but has been juggled through the lineup.
Stamkos now on the wing on a line with Namestnikov and Callahan.
—@drosennhlStamkos finished a minus-one with two shots on goal in 11 minutes, 55 seconds of ice time.
Stamkos' best opportunity came with 3:47 remaining in the second period with a hard slapshot off the rush, but Penguins rookie goaltender Matt Murray denied him.
However, not everyone was happy to see Stamkos' return to action. CBC commentator Don Cherry said on Coach's Corner that there was "no way" the Lightning star should be playing.
"You don't fool around with [injuries] like that," Cherry said. "I don't think he should be playing. I don't care how important the Stanley Cup is."
The 26-year-old has participated in practice with teammates for the past few weeks but hasn't played as he had been waiting to be cleared by doctors.
The Captain taking the ice. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PITvsTBL?src=hash">#PITvsTBL</a> <a href="https://t.co/D9TVjm5Gt1">https://t.co/D9TVjm5Gt1</a>
—@TBLightningIn 77 games this season, Stamkos registered 36 goals, 28 assists for 64 points. In his playoff career, he has 15 goals and 20 assists in 48 career games.
Ahead of the game, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper didn't say much when asked about Stamkos' availability in Game 7.
"Don't ask about the lineup, at all," Cooper told reporters.
When further pressed on the Lightning's star player, Cooper responded.
"Questions about Game 7. Let's go."
Eventually, he finally opened up and revealed what kind of impact Stamkos could have on his team if available for Game 7.
"Stamkos has played hundreds of games with me as his coach. He has played centre, wing, he's killed penalties, played on the power-play. That's what he does when he plays. He's really good at it."
Cooper also had some fun in what was a relatively tense press conference.
"He has pretty much done it all except play goal. The worst thing he does is sit on the bench. That's what he's worst at."
Files from Associated Press