Tampa Bay Lightning D Dan Girardi could return to lineup against Boston Bruins

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi could potentially be making his return to the lineup just in time for the final game of the 2018-19 season against the Boston Bruins.

The Tampa Bay Lightning has had a trying time over the past couple of weeks when it comes to injuries. Things kicked into high gear in terms of injuries on March 30 as the Lightning battled the Washington Capitals in the final home game of the season when defenseman Victor Hedman went down with an Upper-Body Injury.

Tonight, the Lightning makes their way to the Scotiabank Arena where they will do battle with the Toronto Maple Leafs in their final meeting of the regular season. While there seems to be no change on the injury front in terms of tonight’s contest, Saturday’s battle with the Boston Bruins may be a different story.

According to Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper, Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi could potentially make his way back into the lineup just in time for the Bolts final battle of the 2018-19 regular season as they make their way to the TD Garden to take on the Boston Bruins.

"“Realistically, he’s missed a month of hockey, but he’s been on the ice. So, it’s all a conditioning aspect for him.” Coach Cooper said. “Who knows? He may get in as early as Saturday. We’ll see what happens.”"

As Coach Cooper said, Dan Girardi has been out of the lineup for a month with a Lower-Body Injury. Surely, the time away from the ice has given him a chance to properly recuperate. At the same time, you never want to head into the postseason with any level of rink rust. Getting Girardi back on the ice for at least one game before the start of the playoffs could ensure he’s firing on all cylinders before the start of the postseason.

According to Lightning Hockey Reporter Caley Chelios, the 34-year-old Canadian defenseman was on the ice this morning with the team for their Morning Skate. This is the first time he’s skated with the team since sustaining his Lower-Body Injury.

This news is definitely a good sign and could add a little weight to Coach Cooper’s prediction of Girardi’s impending return to the lineup.

At this point, the Lightning still has a chance of tying the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings team for the most single-season wins. Getting a defenseman like Girardi back in the lineup in time for the final game of the season will not only get him primed for the playoffs but could help the Lightning tie a long-standing NHL record.

There is still some work to be done before the buzzer sounds to put an end to the 2018-19 NHL season. The Tampa Bay Lightning may not have to worry about their position in the postseason, but by the end of this week all this goes out the window and everything starts anew.

The Lightning will need to be prepared for whatever team comes their way if they want to break what fans call the “Curse of the Presidents’ Trophy.” Hitting the ice with a healthy roster is going to be a key component to making this dream a reality.