Lightning trio apparently avoid significant injuries

The trio of pivots the Tampa Bay Lightning lost to injury in Thursday's critical win over the Minnesota Wild appear to have avoided long-term absences.

Tampa Bay announced Friday that Tyler Johnson, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Cedric Paquette are each day to day with their respective lower-body ailments.

All three forwards were absent from practice, with Johnson walking with a noticeable limp, according to Erik Erlendsson.

The Lightning traded centers Valterri Filppula and Brian Boyle ahead of the trade deadline and are still without the injured Steven Stamkos, leaving a crater down the middle of the lineup.

Despite selling off assets at the deadline, the Lightning have points in eight of their last 10 games and are within four points of a postseason spot.