Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) stops a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals Friday, May 13, 2016, in Pit…
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Bishop did not take part in the Lightning’s practice Sunday, but did test out his leg on the ice, wearing skates, beforehand. The Lightning, who have been down two of their top players throughout the playoffs, lost Vezina Trophy finalist Ben Bishop in the first period Friday before grabbing a 3-1 win in Game 1. Sullivan told reporters of his two stars: “What we’ve tried to reiterate to (them) is that they have to just continue on trying to focus on playing the game with right way and taking what they give us and not trying to force plays that aren’t there in order to try to score goals”.
“I$3 fell back and felt something I’ve never felt before, and just pain right away”, Bishop explained of when he sustained the injury (via NHL-provided transcripts). Your mind starts racing and you start thinking the worst thing. “The x-rays were negative and the MRI was ok, now it’s just a matter of getting back to where it feels good again”.
Center Tyler Johnson, who got banged up on Friday, was also on the ice.
The Tampa Bay Lightning were able to shut down the prolific Pittsburgh Penguins offense in Game One even with starting goaltender Ben Bishop leaving the game early with a lower-body injury. Bishop was injured after an awkward fall onto his own leg. Luckily for him and his team, the leg isn’t actually broken.
“He’s getting better with each day, and it’s encouraging to say”, Cooper said.
As far as when he’ll be back, Bishop said he expects to be able to come back.
ABOUT THE LIGHTNING: Vasilevskiy stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced after replacing Bishop and the team has total confidence in the 21-year-old Russian’s readiness to take over whenever he is needed. I’m sure my family was scared…Everybody was pretty scared but at the same time very thankful for all the texts and all the messages.
“He’s a fun guy to work with on and off the ice, and personally, you know, I know that he can go in there and do the job”, Bishop said of Vasilevskiy. “He’s a young guy, but he’s got a lot of experience”. He’s got a bright future in this league.
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NOTES: Cooper said Lightning D Anton Stralman (fractured leg) practiced and is “looking good” but Cooper remains uncertain when Stralman will be cleared to play….
