Cernak (upper body) is considered a game-time decision for Monday's matchup against Utah, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak exited Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets due to his upper-body injury, and he'll be evaluated in the hours leading up to Monday's puck drop before the Lightning determine his status. If Cernak is unable to play, Max Crozier will likely enter the lineup.

Cernak (upper body) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Blue Jackets, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was hit hard by Mathieu Olivier in the first period. The 28-year-old Cernak needed some help getting off the ice, and it's unclear if he'll be able to bounce back quickly from this injury. The Lightning's next game is Monday at home versus the Mammoth.

Cernak logged an assist, five blocked shots, two hits and two PIM in Monday's 5-1 win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

The helper was Cernak's first point in six games since he returned from a long-term hand injury. The 28-year-old defenseman has resumed a second-pairing role and will continue to provide steady physical play when in the lineup. For the season, Cernak has five helpers, 15 shots on net, 25 PIM, 54 hits and 54 blocked shots over 25 outings.

Cernak (hand) was activated off long-term injured reserve and is expected to play Wednesday versus Anaheim, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak hasn't been in the lineup since Nov. 22 because of the injury. He has four assists, 21 PIM, 40 hits and 43 blocks in 19 outings in 2025-26. Max Crozier might be a healthy scratch Wednesday as a result of Cernak's return.

Cernak (hand) participated in Saturday's morning skate and could be nearing a return to the lineup, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak will miss his 16th straight game against Florida on Saturday. However, he might be ready to return during the team's upcoming three-game road trip, which begins Wednesday against Anaheim. Cernak has contributed four assists, 13 shots on goal, 43 blocked shots and 40 hits through 19 appearances this season.

Cernak (undisclosed) was moved to long-term injured, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak will miss his 11th straight game against the Islanders on Saturday, and he isn't close to returning to the lineup. He hasn't been practicing and didn't accompany his teammates on the road. Cernak has four assists, 13 shots on goal, 43 blocked shots and 40 hits through 19 appearances this season.

Cernak (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Monday, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

The Lightning announced Monday that Cernak was considered week-to-week due to an undisclosed injury, so his placement on injured reserve isn't particularly surprising. Declan Carlile and Steve Santini will likely operate on the third defensive pairing in Cernak's absence, while Maxim Groshev was called up from AHL Syracuse on Monday to provide additional depth.

Cernak was deemed week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak's latest injury is reportedly unrelated to the previous issue that kept him out for a pair of games prior to his return to the lineup Saturday. This latest issue seems significantly more severe than the previous one, given his timeline. For now, it will be Declan Carlile and Steve Santini on the third pairing, though Maxim Groshev was called up from AHL Syracuse on Monday. If the Bolts need a roster spot, Cernak will likely be designated for injured reserve.

Cernak notched an assist and three blocked shots in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak returned from a two-game absence due to a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old saw 23:24 of ice time in his return, a season-high mark, so he appears to have no limitations going forward as long as he can avoid other injuries. He's at four helpers, 13 shots on net, 21 PIM, 40 hits and 43 blocks through 19 outings this season. That heavy playing style can take a toll, but Cernak is a worthy option for fantasy managers in banger leagues.

Cernak (lower body) is expected to play Saturday versus the Capitals, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was on the likely side of a game-time decision and should be good to go after skating in warmups on the first pairing. Steve Santini will exit the lineup to make space for Cernak.