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Lightning unsure about Game 3 starter: 'If we were, we probably wouldn't tell you'

Kim Klement / Reuters

Anyone hoping for some clarity in the Tampa Bay Lightning's murky goaltending situation ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday will need to wait a little longer.

The Lightning kept everyone in the dark about the status of Ben Bishop, who left Game 2 with what appeared to be a lower-body injury. No information on Bishop was provided after Saturday's contest, and Sunday's media availability provided more of the same.

Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos told reporters that the team wasn't sure who would be in net Monday, leaving the door open for Andrei Vasilevskiy to make his first career Stanley Cup Final start.

"If we were, we probably wouldn't tell you anyways," Stamkos said with a smile.

Vasilevskiy made five saves and was credited with the victory against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 2, but concerns surround the 20-year-old rookie's ability to handle a start on the NHL's biggest stage. Stamkos believes the young netminder has what it takes.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper suggested Monday's morning skate will provide a hint as to who will start Game 3.

Tampa Bay has enough confidence in the abilities of both of its goaltenders that a change in the crease will not likely affect its playing style. Defenseman Braydon Coburn isn't concerned - as long as he doesn't have to put on the goalie pads.

"As long as they don't need me to back up or anything like that, it doesn't change anything for me," Coburn said.

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