Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos won't be available for the Eastern Conference Final versus the New York Islanders, head coach Jon Cooper announced Sunday.
Stamkos has been nursing an unspecified lower-body injury since Phase 2 of the NHL's return-to-play plan and hasn't suited up this postseason.
The 30-year-old sniper also missed time during the regular season as he underwent core-muscle surgery in February. He notched 29 goals and 37 assists in 66 games.
The Lightning have managed a 10-3 record despite Stamkos' absence following the league's hiatus.
Game 1 starts Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
