Keep updated on all the injury news and roster updates from around the NHL with daily Ice Chips.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Defenceman Victor Hedman is taking part in Tampa Bay’s optional skate this morning ahead of Game 2 tonight against the Montreal Canadiens but head coach Jon Cooper says Hedman returning is on “the doubtful side for this series.”
Hedman, who hasn’t played since March 19 due to personal reasons, also skated on Sunday before Game 1.
The 35-year-old has missed large chunks of time this season due to injury. He missed a month with an undisclosed injury earlier in the season and then had elbow surgery in December that kept him out until February.
He had one goal and 17 points in 33 regular-season games.
Cooper also confirmed Tuesday morning that Declan Carlile will draw in for Charle-Edouard D’Astous, who was injured in Game 1.
D’Astous got hurt in the second period of Game 1 after he took two big hits from Jake Evans and Josh Anderson behind his own net. He got sandwiched and remained down on the ice for a bit before he was able to skate off under his own power.
Forward Scott Sabourin will also draw into the lineup tonight.
Sabourin skated in 26 regular-season games for the Lightning, scoring one goal with four assists and 89 penalty minutes.
#GoBolts lineup updates for Game 2: Declan Carlile draws in for D’Astous, Jon Cooper says he wouldn’t rule anything out but Hedman is “doubtful” to play in the First Round.
— Benjamin Pierce (@BenjaminJReport) April 21, 2026
The Canadiens jumped out to 1-0 series lead after a 4-3 overtime on Sunday, led by Juraj Slafkovsky recording a hat trick that was capped by him scoring the game-winning goal.