It looks like the return of Mikhail Sergachev is getting closer and closer. On Thursday he took part in the Lightning’s practice on a pairing with Erik Cernak:
Cernak is the defensive partner Sergachev has spent the most time on the ice with this season at 5v5 (Darren Raddysh is just a few seconds behind) so it’s a good sign that he’s back from the lower-body injury suffered in the St. Louis game. Prior to yesterday, he had been paired up with Sean Day, getting reps after the starters got their time in.
Coach Cooper did temper expectations in his post-practice presser stating that, “Hopefully one of the two [back-to-back games], I doubt both. It’s a tough injury for him, it takes a little time to heal, especially with the stress of skating. He’s getting close, but I can’t sit here and say for sure if he’ll be in the line-up against the [New York] Rangers.”
More Hockey News
Lightning organist releases 18-track album [Fox 13]
Krystof Srebrakowski has been playing the organ at Amalie Arena for the last 11 seasons (and was the subject of a Raw Charge feature article back in the day). Now you can listen to his greatest hits in the comfort of your own home/apartment.
Isaac Howard scores again in U.S rout of Switzerland[Team USA]
Sure, Jimmy Snuggerud will get all of the press with his hat trick, but the Lightning’s Howard continued his strong play with his second goal as the U.S. took it to Switzerland, 11-3.
How the NHL’s first Winter Classic overcame many hurdles [ESPN]
Can’t believe the Winter Classic will be around for it’s 15th edition in a couple of days. A behind-the-scenes look at the first one from our friends at the Worldwide Leader.
Ranking the Cap Era Stanley Cup Champions [The Athletic]
The Bolts rank 8th (2020) and 7th (2021) in their list. The teams that beat them are ranked 14th (2015 Blackhawks) and 2nd (2022 Avalanche). The 2008 Red Wings top the leaderboard.
Five outdoor venues the NHL should consider [Daily FaceOff]
Needs more Raymond James in my opinion, but a game in Lambeau Field would be pretty awesome (except for the frostbite and stuff). I also submit to you LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. One of the best backdrops in all of college football.
Ethan Bear signs in Washington [Japers’ Rink]
The defenseman signed in the nation’s capital for two-years/$2.06 million per. He’s a solid two-way player who should help the Washington defense.
Minnesota’s PWHL named Ken Klee as head coach [StarTribune]
A little bit of coaching chaos mere days before the league begins its inaugural season as Charlie Burggraf steps down as Minnesota’s head coach. They found a pretty solid replacement in Ken Klee, who coached the U.S. Women’s Team to back-to-back IIHF World Championships. They open their season next Wednesday in Boston.
