The Tampa Bay Lightning are down 2-0 in their first round series with the Montreal Canadiens and they’re hoping they can get key rookie forward Ondrej Palat back for Game 3.
According to Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times, Palat skated at an optional practice this morning. Palat missed Game 2 and left Game 1 early in the third period with an injury.
Lightning assistant coach Rick Bowness told NHL.com’s Arpon Basu that Palat will be a game-day decision for Game 3 much the same as he was for Game 2.
With Tampa Bay down in the series and headed to Montreal, the Lightning are in a bit of a desperate position. Getting Palat and possibly Ben Bishop back in Game 3 on Sunday night would be a major lift.