Lightning's Vladislav Namestnikov: Expected to play Tuesday

Namestnikov (lower body) told reporters he expects to be in the lineup Tuesday when the Lightning square off against the Coyotes, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Namestnikov has played in just one of Tampa's last five contests, but managed only 9:27 of ice time before exiting the game. Prior to getting hurt, the center had garnered a lone assist during a seven-game goal drought, adding just a mere six shots on net over that stretch. With Tyler Johnson (lower body) and Cedric Paquette (lower body) still dealing with injuries, the Lightning will certainly be happy to get Namestnikov back in the lineup as they make a postseason push.