Cernak scored a goal on three shots, added five hits and blocked three shots in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Panthers in Game 4.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak ended an 11-game point drought with his second-period tally. The 27-year-old blueliner continues to fill a shutdown role on the second pairing, which has earned him a plus-2 rating, 11 shots on net, 13 hits and four blocked shots over four playoff outings. He had a career year with 21 points and a plus-29 rating over 76 regular-season appearances.

Cernak (undisclosed) is expected to play Thursday versus Utah.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak left Tuesday's 6-1 win over Pittsburgh due to the injury, but it seems he won't miss a full game. He has three goals, 20 points, 35 PIM and 148 hits across 65 outings in 2024-25.

Cernak (undisclosed) won't return to Tuesday's game versus the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was hurt in the first period, though he was able to pick up an assist prior to his exit. He also had two hits and two blocked shots. The Lightning dressed seven defensemen Tuesday, so if Cernak misses any time, Darren Raddysh and Nick Perbix will be able to stay in the lineup and forward Mitchell Chaffee would probably check back in for Thursday's game against Utah.

Cernak notched an assist and two blocked shots in Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak set up a Zemgus Girgensons tally in the second period. The helper was Cernak's second over seven contests this month, following a February in which he had three goals and three assists over eight outings. The 27-year-old isn't going to turn into a big scoring threat from the blue line overnight, but he appears to be tapping into his offense a bit more in the second half of the campaign. He's matched his career high of 18 points as well as setting a new personal best with 15 assists through 59 outings. Cernak also has 53 shots on net, 129 hits, 87 blocked shots and a plus-24 rating this season.

Cernak scored a goal, added two hits and blocked two shots in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak had a somewhat surprising February with three goals and three assists over eight games. That makes it his most productive month of the campaign despite the limited number of contests. Overall, Cernak is at three goals, 13 assists, 47 shots on net, 117 hits, 72 blocked shots and a plus-25 rating through 52 appearances. He's two points away from matching his career-high 18 from the 2020-21 campaign, which came in a 46-game sample. Fantasy managers shouldn't roster Cernak for scoring potential -- it's his physicality and defense that appeal to those in deeper formats, though his playing style also comes with a high risk of injuries.

Cernak scored a goal and added two assists in a 6-3 win over the Red Wings on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak waffled a shot from the point at 2:56 of the first, resulting in Alex Lyon getting the hook from the game -- the goalie had allowed two goals on just three shots. The three points tied Cernak's NHL career high for a single outing. "You don't see a lot of offense from me, so that was exciting," said Cernak after the game. "I just try to get the puck to our forwards and let them make magic." The 27-year-old stay-at-home defender has two goals and 15 points in 48 games this season. Both goals and three assists have come in Cernak's last four games. It's a nice run, but it's not sustainable enough to make him valuable in fantasy arenas.

Cernak scored an empty-net goal on two shots, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Thursday's 5-1 win over the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak netted his first goal of the season to end any threat of a Senators comeback. It was also the 100th point of his career, a milestone he reached in his 412th contest. He has two points over his last three contests, but the 27-year-old defenseman rarely puts up consistent offense. He's at 12 points, 41 shots on net, 100 hits, 64 blocked shots, 29 PIM and a plus-15 rating through 47 appearances.

Cernak notched an assist and three blocked shots in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

This was Cernak's first point over four games since he returned from an undisclosed injury. The 27-year-old defenseman has been back in his usual second-pairing role, though his playing style rarely leads to much offense. He has 11 helpers, 38 shots on net, 96 hits, 62 blocked shots, 27 PIM and a plus-13 rating over 45 appearances this season. Staying healthy remains tricky for Cernak at times, but he's on pace to challenge his career high of 18 points from the 2020-21 campaign.

Cernak (undisclosed) will play against Detroit on Saturday, per Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak will return to action following a four-game absence. He has generated 10 assists, 33 shots on goal, 53 blocked shots and 92 hits across 41 appearances this season. Cernak will replace Cam Atkinson in Saturday's lineup, as the Lightning will dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards.

Cernak (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against Detroit, according to Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun.

EDGE Analysis

During Saturday's media availability, coach Jon Cooper said that Cernak is "probable" to return from a four-game absence. The 27-year-old Cernak has 10 assists, 33 shots on goal, 53 blocked shots and 92 hits across 41 appearances this season. Max Crozier will probably be a healthy scratch versus the Red Wings if Cernak goes back into the lineup.