TAMPA — Having to place veterans Luke Schenn and Tyler Johnson on waivers Tuesday so the team could be salary-cap compliant on opening night was not the situation the Lightning wanted.But it’s the one they found themselves in.The maneuver wasn’t intended to be perceived as if the team didn’t want the two players. It was simply part of the “cap gymnastics” general manager Julien BriseBois said the Lightning had to perform in order to become compliant.It’s just another tough reality after a team wins the Stanley Cup — one that hits even harder during a flat-cap year.“This is something we’ve addressed with our team,” head coach Jon Cooper said. “And it’s not just the coaches and management saying this is what’s happening. Everybody’s involved.”Johnson and Schenn will not take the ice when the Cup banner is unveiled tonight at Amalie Arena. Instead, the two are listed among four players on the team’s taxi squad .It’s likely Johnson and Schenn will return to the roster before Friday’s second game against the Blackhawks.Still, no matter how long they’ve been in the league — Johnson is starting his ninth NHL season, Schenn his 13th — it’s a tough pill to swallow.Cooper said the two have been great throughout the process, maintaining their spirits and working through these “paper transactions” knowing they still play key roles on the team.“Management did a great job of navigating the areas that came up to us,” Cooper said. “... They kept this core group together, but in doing that we have to make sacrifices. Sometimes that’s what’s happening tonight, and it’s not ideal, but everybody’s pulling for each other.”vs. Blackhawks, 8 p.m. at Amalie ArenaTV: NBC Sports. Radio: 970-AM Contact Mari Faiello at mfaiello@tampabay.com . Follow @faiello_mari .
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