This year, the Lightning face the Leafs without some key players from last season's team, but they still boast a formidable lineup with some dangerous weapons. Their biggest advantage is their goaltender, the outstanding Andrei Vasilevksiy.
Despite the salary cap constraints and limited assets, the Bolts made a shrewd acquisition in the form of Tanner Jeannot ahead of the trade deadline. Jeannot, who notched 24 goals and 41 points for the Nashville Predators last season, adds a much-needed physical edge to the third line.
Unfortunately, he suffered an injury towards the end of the regular season, and there were concerns that he might miss the entire first round of the playoffs.
However, the shocking news today is that Jeannot was back on the ice for practice, wearing a regular jersey.
UPDATE: Jeannot is on the ice for practice 👀� Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) April 17, 2023
This development is a massive boost for the Lightning as they prepare for the intense playoff battle against the Leafs.
Tanner Jeannot: pic.twitter.com/T73aLlme3J� Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) April 17, 2023
While Jeannot will not be ready for game one, his long-term recovery has now changed and could be available as soon as game 2:
Cooper on Tanner Jeannot: «He's definitely not going in Game 1, but what went from week to week has definitely been trimmed down to day-to-day.»#TBLvsTOR� x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 17, 2023
POLL | ||
17 AVRIL | 132 ANSWERS BREAKING: Tampa Bay Lightning get GREAT news ahead of game 1 that should WORRY the Toronto Maple Leafs Can Toronto beat Tampa? | ||
yes | 67 | 50.8 % |
no | 65 | 49.2 % |
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