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As the Tampa Bay Lightning gear up for Game 1 against the Florida Panthers, all eyes are on defenseman Mikhail Sergachev's availability status following his recent injury.
NHL insider Chris Krenn provided insights, stating that while Sergachev is progressing, he's not yet ready to hit the ice for the Bolts.
Chris Krenn quoted TBL coach Jon Cooper's statement on Mikhail Sergachev's status:
"My gut says this series would be out of reach for him. If we were fortunate enough to win this series, then we’d start having that discussion."
Mikhail Sergachev's injury saga began in early February when he suffered a fractured tibia-fibula during a game against the New York Rangers. In that game, Sergachev landed awkwardly on his left leg while attempting a hit, which led to him being stretchered off the ice.
However, Sergachev returned to full practice on Saturday, marking just over two months since his surgery to stabilize the leg fractures. Despite this positive development, his availability for Game 1 remains uncertain, with the Lightning ruling him out for the initial matchup against the Panthers on Sunday.
"I'm feeling pretty good," Sergachev mentioned in a statement to reporters after practice. "It's nice to get some bumps and breakouts and just stay for the whole practice so it's very nice."
Before his injury, the 25-year-old defenseman had just returned from a 17-game absence due to another leg-related issue. In the 34 games he played this season, Mikhail Sergachev contributed two goals and 17 assists, totaling 19 points.
Even if Mikhail Sergachev returns, Lightning will need tough luck to defeat the Panthers in Round 1
Despite criticism from his stint with the Winnipeg Jets, Paul Maurice managed a stunning turnaround for the Florida Panthers since joining them in June 2022. He created an environment in which aggressive defense thrived, with elite centermen like Barkov and Lundell covering for the blueliners.
The Panthers finished the 2022–23 regular season in the eighth seed but surged their way to the Stanley Cup Final, exceeding expectations. However, the Vegas Golden Knights were too good for them, winning the Stanley Cup series 4-1. Sam Reinhart emerged as a star, scoring 57 goals and 94 points last season.
The Lightning experienced a rollercoaster season but found their rhythm, relying on their exceptional special teams led by Nikita Kucherov's historic season. Despite challenges at 5v5, their power play and penalty kill prowess could be game-changers against the Panthers.
The Panthers can rely on players like Forsling to neutralize Lightning stars. Meanwhile, the Lightning will lean on their playoff experience, particularly Vasilevskiy's goaltending, and capitalize on special team opportunities to overcome the Panthers' offensive threats.
Florida Panthers are the favorites to win, with the Lightning being the underdogs.
