Lightning Round: Cernak and Eyssimont out for Game Two

Following the Tampa Bay Lightning's practice on Wednesday, head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that defenseman Erik Cernak and forward Michael Eyssimont would be out of the line-up for Game Two against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Eyssimont was visibly shaken up after absorbing a hit from Jake McCabe in the first game while Cernak was taken out by a blatant head shot from Micheal Bunting (more on that later).

During the practice, Eyssimont's spot on the third line was taken by Tanner Jeannot, who is recovering from a lower body injury suffered at the end of the regular season. He is considered a game-time decision as is Victor Hedman, who left early in the second period with mysterious malady.

Zach Bogosian will likely draw in for Cernak while Haydn Fleury would take Hedman's spot if the Big Swede can't go. Ian Cole was not at the practice, but it seems like that was just a maintenance day after the veteran logged one of his highest ice times of the year in Game One.

As for Bunting, the Department of Player Safety suspended the Maple Leafs forward for three games for his hit against Cernak.

If the Leafs practice on Wednesday was any indication, Calle Jarnkrok will take Bunting's spot on the top line and rookie Matthew Knies will make his playoff debut on the third line.

NHL News and Scores

Florida Panthers 6-3 over Boston Bruins

Series tied 1-1
The Panthers shocked the Bruins at home with a 6-3 win. They took the puck to the middle of the ice and commanded the front of the net in their win. Brandon Montour scored twice, as well as Sam Bennett, who returned to the lineup. The Bruins have been without Patrice Bergeron due to a flu bug that was caught by the locker room.

Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in OT over New York Islanders

CAR leads 2-0
The Islanders got close, but they couldn't upset the Hurricanes in overtime. The Hurricanes are a team that can completely tilt the ice as soon as they allow a goal, and despite playing from behind, they were able to keep the game close in the third until they took the game in overtime. For some reason, all shot location data was broken on NST, so I don't have shot data for you. My guess, lots of point shots.

Also this from Matt Martin..

Dallas Stars 7-3 over Minnesota Wild

Series tied at 1
The first two periods were a complete back and forth, yet again. IMO, this is the series of the first round. Chaotic hockey in both directions. The Wild shockingly started Marc-Andre Fleury, who allowed 7 goals, despite Erik Gustavsson playing amazing all season and in Game 1.  Roope Hintz potted a hat trick by scoring a shorthanded goal, an even strength goal, and a power play goal.

Edmonton Oilers 4-2 over Los Angeles Kings

Series tied at 1
Leon Draisaitl posted another 3-point playoff game for the Oilers while Stuart Skinner stopped 22 of 24 for the win. Time for the Oilers to roll with Stu in net?

In other news...

Alexandre Texier is aiming for a return to hockey next season after taking leave from the Blue Jackets this season.

Kirsten Welsh refereed the Laval vs Utica game, making her the first woman to officiate an AHL playoff game.

The PWHPA is inching closer to their own PWHL league. Player pay will include "$24,000 for promotional activities".