“You’ll have to wait and find out”, Stamkos said, smiling.
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And there is the overarching issue of how to balance the use of blood thinners with playing as it’s not safe to play when the blood thinners are present in the body because any kind of cut could have unsafe repercussions.
“Chase Club and Lexus Lounge ticket holders: Please note that for all 2016 NHL Playoff Games at Amalie Arena, only Tampa Bay Lightning-branded team apparel (or neutral apparel) will be permitted in these clubs and in the adjoining seating areas”. He is optimistic, but the possibility exists that he might not play again this season. “He really controls the puck well; controls a play well”, Cole said.
“Just play my game”, the Pens forward said.
“There’s different regimens, and by that I mean different ways that you can go around that in order to still play”.
And while a dress code at a sporting event might sound repressive to some out-of-towners, Bill Wickett, executive vice president of communications for the Lightning, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that it comes with the blessing of local fans. “You want to play and you want to win”.
“There’s different options that we’ve explored”.
It is a delicate dance for anyone, but particularly so for Stamkos. One simple contusion could be diastrous to the player on blood thinners. 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.
Will Stamkos perform the Timonen Technique in Game 3 in Tampa?
There is a team around him, including doctors, family and agents, who are helping make this decision. “It’s been a process: safety first, health first. It hasn’t changed”, Stamkos said. Trust me, I’ve tried. That’s the tough part right now. I’ve been trying to get as much strength back in the gym and obviously going on the ice every day, staying out after practice working on conditioning and things like that.
The Lightning have done just fine without Stamkos. There was some good news and some bad news on that front Monday night.
They’re about to get other reinforcement back in the lineup. After losing the first game to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Pens have their backs against the wall.
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Stamkos, who scored 36 goals in the regular season, has participated in some light contact drills in practice, but is rusty.
