Erik Cernak News

The Lightning are already without Ryan McDonagh and could be without Cernak as well. Cernak is dealing with an undisclosed injury and has been listed as a game-time decision in Dallas. If Cernak can't play, Luke Schenn will draw into the lineup.

Cernak was hurt in the Lightning's most recent game, playing just 8:24 TOI vs. the Hurricanes. However, he was on the ice for Saturday's morning skate and head coach Jon Cooper said it looks like he's fine for tonight's game vs. Dallas.

Cernak has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but said that he's good-to-go following the morning skate. Cernak has one assist and a plus-4 rating in four games this season.

Cernak will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury but the Lightning are hopeful that he will be available on Monday. Cal Foote will remain in the lineup while Cernak is sidelined.

Cernak left Saturday's game in Columbus in the first period after falling awkwardly into the boards. With Cernak listed as day-to-day, he should be considered questionable for Thursday's game and Cal Foote would likely draw in to replace him if he can't go.

Cernak was hurt Saturday but it was minor, so he'll play tonight vs. the Maple Leafs. Cernak has been held pointless in his last nine games but will continue to skate on the top-pair with Victor Hedman.

Cernak suffered a lower-body injury in Arizona on Saturday but head coach Jon Cooper said he could play as soon as Tuesday. Monitor his status during the morning skate but the Lightning can't afford to have him miss a pivotal game while they're already without Ryan McDonagh and Jan Rutta.

Cernak was suspended for two games for his elbow to the head on Rasmus Dahlin but is expected to be back in the lineup vs. the Hurricanes on Saturday night. Cernak, who plays in more of a shutdown role with Ryan McDonagh, has one goal and no assists in 20 games this season.

Dahlin was forced to leave the game with a concussion and Cernak's two-game suspension means he won't play Wednesday vs. the Blues or Friday in Washington. Cernak, who will likely be replaced by Jan Rutta tomorrow, is eligible to return Saturday vs. the Hurricanes.

Cernak was a late-scratch in New Jersey on Wednesday and is listed as a game-time decision for Friday's game vs. the Islanders. Cernak doesn't provide a lot of offence (1G / 0A) but has solid peripheral stats (3.2 hits/gm and 1.7 blocks/gm).