There has been a belief Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman could play before the end of his team's second-round series against the New York Islanders, but though he is skating once again, Jon Cooper isn't optimistic about an imminent return to the lineup.
"He's not near ready yet," Cooper said after Stralman skated in full gear prior to Friday's team practice, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
The 29-year-old has not played since suffering a fractured fibula during a March 25 game against the Islanders, who hold a 1-0 series lead over the Lightning after a 5-3 win Wednesday.
Erlendsson noted fellow blue-liner Matt Carle missed practice due to an unspecified injury. It is unclear if he will be available for Game 2 on Saturday.
