Steven Stamkos out for Game 2 of Eastern Conference Final

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos continues to practice with his teammates at Consol Energy Center in a regular jersey, but don’t expect the Bolts captain to suit up for Game 2 of tonight’s Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Stamkos played coy at first with reporters following the Lightning’s optional morning skate, saying “You’ll have to find out,” when asked if there was a chance he could play tonight. Later, however, Stamkos admitted he will not be in the lineup as the Bolts try to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“I’m hoping there’s a chance for the game after that or the game after that, or we could come to a conclusion after all of our research that it’s just not safe to play at all in these playoffs,” Stamkos said. “That’s the reality I’m living with. I’m just as frustrated as you guys having to sit here and answer the same questions while you guys ask the same questions. I’m asking those questions too, and I get the same answers back. That’s the tough part right now, but, like I said all along, just trying to give myself a chance that if that day comes where I speak with the docs and we feel as a group, me and my family, that it’s safe to get back on the ice, then I certainly will.”

Stamkos continues to take blood thinners since his surgery on April 4 to treat a type of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome near his right collarbone. He clarified he’s been on the same injectable blood thinner regiment since the surgery, contrary to a couple reports that came out Sunday.

“I think there was a little confusion from some stuff that came out yesterday with regards to me and some of the medications,” he said. “I’ve been on …

continue reading in source lightning.nhl.com