Stamkos out for exhibition game, still expected back for playoffs

Steven Stamkos isn't quite ready for game action, but he remains on track to be in the lineup by the time the postseason begins.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper told reporters Sunday that the captain won't play in Wednesday's exhibition contest against the Florida Panthers, according to Bryan Burns of the team's official website.

However, Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois reiterated that Stamkos should be good to go in the near future.

"We have all reason to believe he will be going into the playoffs fully healthy and a full participant," the GM said, according to team reporter Caley Chelios.

BriseBois said the same thing on July 18, when Stamkos was questionable to play in the exhibition game after returning to practice. The star forward sat out at the start of training camp after suffering an injury during voluntary workouts.

The Lightning begin their round-robin schedule on Aug. 3 against the Washington Capitals.