Lightning coach Cooper: Palat expected to return during 5-game road trip

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ondrej Palat should be able to return from his lower-body injury by Dec. 20 at the latest, according to head coach Jon Cooper.

The Lightning embark on a five-game east coast trip beginning with Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center.

Palat missed Thursday's 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Lightning return home for a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 23.