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Rookie defenseman Erik Cernak growing more comfortable with Lightning

Erik Cernak made his debut 12 days ago, in Buffalo, and has played every game since.
 
Published Nov. 24, 2018

TAMPA—Erik Cernak is finding his groove. The rookie defenseman now has six games of NHL experience, and he sees a difference.

"When I first got here, I felt a bit shaky," Cernak said. "But after a couple of games, I feel more comfortable and I trust myself more."

Cernak made his debut 12 days ago, in Buffalo, and has played every game since. He notched his first point (an assist) in the Lightning's loss to Nashville on Monday.

He has gotten more comfortable in the dressing room over the almost-two weeks, as well. He knew the Lightning players from training camp, but it's not the same as spending day-in, day-out of the regular routine (and an eight-day road trip) with them.

Coach Jon Cooper said it has been easier with D Anton Stralman out of the lineup, with Cernak there in his spot.

"That's helped, there's no question," Cooper said. "We struggled early when Anton wasn't in the lineup, and Erik has come in and really kind of stabilized that right side for us."

Stralman update

While we're on the subject … Stralman has been listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed "upper-body" injury for two weeks, missing seven games.

He returned to practice a week ago in Pittsburgh but wasn't on the ice for the Lightning's optional morning skate (though not many players were) Friday morning. Has Stralman had a setback, is that why his absence has drawn out?

Cooper didn't say for sure.

"When he feels he's ready, he'll come back," he said. "It's tough when you're out, and it's tough when you know how you need to feel to play well and contribute. It's just been a little slower with him."

What about LW Ondrej Palat? He is still listed as out. He was expected to be out for four weeks after injuring his foot, blocking a shot against Vegas. It's been four weeks, but he's still working his way back.

Cooper hopes to see at least one of them back during this home stand, with three games next week.

Turnover since the Cup

It's been four years since the Lightning and Blackhawks met in the Stanley Cup final, and Chicago brought a rather different team to Tampa than it did in that series.

The Blackhawks have seven players in common from the team they finished the 2015 season with, but that does include the biggies: RW Patrick Kane, C Jonathan Toews and G Corey Crawford.

The Lightning has 11 players from that series' team, including C Steven Stamkos, RW Nikita Kucherov and D Victor Hedman.

C Brayden Point wasn't on that team but suggested there might be some emotions held over from that seven-game loss contributing to the usually exciting games between these teams.

Kunitz returns

LW Chris Kunitz made his return to Tampa. He played for the Lightning last season, recording 13 goals and 16 assists in 82 games.

Kunitz returned from an injury just in time for Friday's game. He has played 19 games for Chicago this year, with nine goals and seven assists.