Lightning's Tyler Johnson could face Kings, expected to play 'this week'
Scott Audette / National Hockey League / Getty
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tyler Johnson could return to the lineup as soon as Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
"There's a chance," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper told reporters at the morning skate, according to LA Kings Insider's Jon Rosen. "He'll play one of these next games. ... He's playing this week, at some point."
The Lightning face the Washington Capitals in D.C. on Friday, then return home to host the New York Islanders on Saturday.
The 25-year-old center has missed the last three games with an undisclosed injury that Cooper believes occurred on a hit by Florida Panthers forward Dave Bolland on Nov. 14.
Johnson has three goals, seven assists, and 48 shots on goal in 19 games.