When the Tampa Bay Lightning take the ice for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night, they are going to be getting quite a lift to their lineup when Steven Stamkos returns and makes his 2016 playoff debut.

Stamkos has been sidelined for two months due to a blood clot issue. Even though he has been practicing with the team, hehas not appeared in a game since March 31.

Following the team’s morning skate, Lightning coach Jon Cooper said there was no change to Stamkos’ status, which seemed to indicate he would remain out of the lineup. As we have now seen, that status can quickly change.

When Cooper met with the media 90 minutes before faceoff, he refused to answer any questions about his Game 7 lineup and would say only that every player on the ice for his team is out there because he has been cleared to play.

The initial timeframe for Stamkos’ return was 1-3 months. His return on Thursday will be after missing eight weeks.