Steven Stamkos will not play in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, coach Jon Cooper said, however the Tampa Bay Lightning captain has not been ruled out for the remainder of the series.
Cooper made the statement Friday early morning, stating that Stamkos is “unsuited to play” in Game 4. The Lightning have a 2-1 series lead against the Dallas Stars with Games 4 and 5 being held on back-to-back days, Friday and Saturday.
Stamkos had not played all summer season before making his 2020 postseason debut in Game 3 on Wednesday. Stamkos scored on the first shot he took as the Lightning rolled to a 5-2 win. He became the first gamer in 80 years to score while playing his first postseason game of the year in the Stanley Cup Final.
1 RelatedHowever the 30-year-old Stamkos took only five shifts, totaling less than three minutes of playing time, and did not play in the second or 3rd duration. He stated he was held out due to the fact that he experienced “a concern.” Stamkos remained on the bench with his teammates for the rest of Game 3 and took a few twirls on the ice during television timeouts.
” Theres been a great deal of behind-the-scenes things that Ill be grateful to show you guys after the season,” Stamkos stated after the game. “Were focused on winning right now, and tonight was a step in the right direction.”
Stamkos had not played in a video game considering that Feb. 25 and underwent surgery to fix a core muscle injury on March 2. His expected healing timeline was six to 8 weeks, however he has actually had a number of setbacks. When he placed Stamkos into the Game 3 lineup that he didnt anticipate the captain to have any on-ice limitations, Cooper said.
