While his status is unknown for Game 1, Bolts head coach Jon Cooper confirms that Point will play in the Finals
On Saturday, it looked increasingly likely that Brayden Point might return to action for the first time since Game 7 of the Bolts' round 1 series against the Leafs. The morning report from head coach Jon Cooper was that if Point had taken part in the morning skate in Tampa on Saturday, he'd be a game-time decision for Game 6 against the Rangers.
Point did take part in the morning skate, but did not participate in warmups and the announcement was made shortly thereafter that he would not play. Thankfully, the Lightning sealed the deal, thanks to a pair of goals by captain Steven Stamkos, punching the Bolts' ticket to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and giving Point another shot to get back into some games.
On Sunday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed, via Jon Cooper, that although Point is not yet a lock to play in Game 1 on Wednesday in Denver, he is "extremely probable" to return to the lineup at some point in the Finals against the Avs.
Point put together another strong, albeit injury-laden, season with the Bolts this year, recording 58 points in 66 games, and chipping in with 4 points through 6 and a half games against the Leafs in round 1. Point is an important player for the Lightning - especially in the postseason.
Over his last 53 playoff games, the Calgary native has registered 30 goals and racked up 60 points, so yeah.. his presence is certainly important to his team - not only from a production standpoint, but from a leadership and skill standpoint. There's no doubt that Tampa is a deeper team when Brayden Point is playing. Thankfully for Tampa, he soon will be. Not a moment too soon, either, as a very dangerous Avs team awaits.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 226 ANSWERS While his status is unknown for Game 1, Bolts head coach Jon Cooper confirms that Point will play in the Finals When will Brayden Point return for the Bolts in the Finals? | ||
| Game 1 | 46 | 20.4 % |
| Game 2 | 44 | 19.5 % |
| Game 3 or 4 | 68 | 30.1 % |
| Game 5 or later | 68 | 30.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
