Steven Stamkos back for Lightning in Game 7 vs. Penguins (UPDATE)
PITTSBURGH – Steven Stamkos is back for the Tampa Bay Lightning for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final.
The captain hasn’t played since March 31, out after surgery to correct a blood clot. He’s skated regularly throughout the postseason. He’s waited for medical clearance and his coach’s decision to insert him back in the lineup.
According to Joe Smith of the Tampa Times:
Jon Cooper sat down for his customary pregame press conference 90 minutes before the puck drops on Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“Before we get going, don’t ask about the lineup. At all. Because I don’t know,” said the Tampa Bay Lightning coach. “OK, we’ve set that straight: Questions about Game 7?”
Sure. What’s Steven Stamkos’s status for Game 7?
“Questions about Game 7. Let’s go,” said Cooper.
Given the chance to rule out Stamkos for Game 7, Cooper punted. And now we know why.
“Listen: We’re preparing to put the best team on the ice to win Game 7. There are going to be guys that can’t play. Everybody that plays tonight, it’ll be because they were cleared to play and ready to go. Our guys are concentrating on winning Game 7,” he said.
“We’re going to put our best foot forward. And if Stamkos is in lineup, it’s because we’re putting our best foot forward. If he isn’t, it’s because he wasn’t eligible to play.”
Stamkos got the green light, and made a dramatic return.
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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
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