Ryan Callahan, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman return to Lightning practice

BRANDON — The Lightning got some encouraging news Monday on the injury front.

Wings Ryan Callahan and Nikita Kucherov, and defenseman Victor Hedman, all fully participated in practice, and appear good to go for Wednesday's first-round playoff opener at Amalie Arena against the Red Wings. The only player missing was center Tyler Johnson, who is considered day to day after an upper body injured sustained Saturday.

"The more you see these guys skate, the better chance they have of playing," coach Jon Cooper said. "Johnny is still the one that's up in the air, he couldn't go (Monday). Hopefully he's a little bit better (today)."

There's still some optimism on Johnson, who is considered day to day, with general manager Steve Yzerman saying Sunday that Johnson could be available.

Kucherov, who missed Saturday's game with a left foot injury, said he's still sore, but it doesn't limit him on the ice and he'll be ready Wednesday. Hedman (upper body) and Callahan (lower body), who each missed the last three games of the regular season, said they're fine now.

Defenseman Anton Stralman (fractured left leg), still on crutches and in a boot, said there's nothing new, though a follow-up X-ray is likely in the near future. Captain Steven Stamkos is still recovering from last week's vascular surgery.