Tampa Bay Lightning scratch key player after missing team meeting

After a missing a team meeting, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that they will be scratching key defenseman Erik Cernak.

As per a report by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning sidelined defenseman Erik Cernak for tonight's game against the New York Islanders due to his absence from a team meeting,violating the team's code of conduct.

The 26-year-old has accumulated one goal and 10 assists, totaling 11 points in 61 games this season. Cernak leads all Lightning defensemen in hits with 151 and ranks second in blocked shots with 94. He previously missed several games earlier this season due to an upper-body injury.

Cernak played a crucial role in the Lightning's consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. Signed to an eight-year, $41.6 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.2 million, his contract extends through 2030-31, featuring a no-trade clause from 2024-25 to 2026-27, and then a modified no-trade clause.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion and 2021 Slovakian Player of the Year has participated in 356 games with the Lightning, amassing 19 goals and 67 assists for 86 points. Cernak recently surpassed the 1000-hit mark and has recorded 489 blocked shots.

Currently, Tampa Bay occupies the first Eastern Conference Wild Card spot with a record of 40-25-7, totaling 87 points across 72 games. Following tonight's game against the Islanders, they have only nine games left in the 2023-24 regular season. The Lightning maintain a comfortable six-point lead over the Washington Capitals. Their upcoming matches include facing the Detroit Red Wings on April 1 and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 3.

As seen on MarkerzoneLightning scratch Erik Cernak for missing team meeting

Tanner Jeannot facing suspension following a dirty hit to the head on Brock Boeser

Tanner Jeannot ejected following dangerous hit to the head on Brock Boeser

Boston Bruins key forward hits the trade block according to insider Kevin Weekes

Philadelphia Flyers dress emergency ebug goaltender against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a rare occurrence

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog's NHL career suffers a major setback

Insider leaks failed Trevor Zegras trade to Canadian team

Connor Bedard reveals what he hates the most about being in the NHL

Flyers head coach John Tortorella reveals why he is scratching his star forward

Future Hall Of Famer Jaromir Jagr finds himself in legal troubles

36-year-old hockey player suspended after video leaks of him attacking fans in the dressing room