Lightning optimistic Bishop will return during East final

The Tampa Bay Lightning remain confident that starter Ben Bishop will be at their disposal during the Eastern Conference Final versu the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Coach Jon Cooper relayed that message to the media Tuesday, a day after backup Andrei Vasilevskiy was solid in relief of Bishop, posting 38 saves to nearly anchor an unlikely second straight win on enemy ice.

Bishop has been one of the most consistent goalies in the NHL since joining the Bolts, winning more games than any of his peers over the last three campaigns, and shaving his goals-against average down to a minuscule 2.06 this season.

He was carted off on a stretcher and replaced by Vasilevskiy 12-plus minutes into the series after suffering an apparent leg injury when he got tangled up with Patric Hornqvist.