Cernak (undisclosed) won't play Friday versus the Blackhawks, but head coach Jon Cooper considers the defenseman day-to-day moving forward, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak's absence Friday will be his fourth in a row. It's still possible he plays Saturday in Detroit. If he can't play in that contest, the Lightning return home for a rematch with the Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Cernak (undisclosed) won't play Tuesday versus the Canadiens, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak will miss his third straight game, meaning Max Crozier will get another appearance. The next chance for Cernak to play is Friday in Chicago, which is the first half of a back-to-back to close out the Lightning's four-game road trip -- they're also in Detroit on Saturday.

Cernak (undisclosed) didn't participate in the morning skate, per Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun, and isn't expected to play against Toronto on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Max Crozier replaced Cernak in the lineup for Saturday's 5-1 win over Detroit, and the Lightning recalled the 24-year-old Crozier from AHL Syracuse on Monday. Cernak is day-to-day and could play during Tampa Bay's four-game road trip, which continues in Montreal on Tuesday.

Cernak (undisclosed) will be out of the lineup versus Detroit on Saturday, per Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was injured early in the first period against the Ducks on Thursday and did not return. He missed the morning skate Saturday and should be considered day-to-day at this time, ahead of the Lightning's four-game road trip that begins Tuesday in Anaheim. Cernak has 10 assists, 53 blocked shots and 92 hits over 41 contests this season. Look for Max Crozier to enter the lineup in place of Cernak.

Cernak (undisclosed) exited Thursday's game versus the Ducks and won't return, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak lasted just one shift into the contest before his departure. The Lightning have just six healthy defensemen on the roster, so if Cernak can't suit up Saturday versus the Red Wings, a roster move will likely be necessary.

Cernak logged an assist, two shots on goal, two hits and three blocked shots in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak has chipped in three helpers over his last eight games. He doesn't often get on the scoresheet, but he remains in a top-four role as a shutdown defender. For the season, Cernak is at 10 helpers, 30 shots on net, 85 hits, 50 blocked shots and a plus-10 rating across 37 appearances.

Cernak notched an assist in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak has two helpers, 10 hits and five blocked shots over his last four games. The 27-year-old set up Anthony Cirelli's second-period tally Thursday. Cernak doesn't add much on offense but plays a heavy physical game. He has nine points, all helpers, while adding 23 shots on net, 18 PIM, a plus-11 rating, 76 hits and 44 blocked shots through 33 appearances this season.

Cernak logged a shorthanded assist, three shots on goal, four hits and two PIM in Monday's 4-0 win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak set up Brandon Hagel's shorthanded empty-netter to close out the scoring in the third period. The helper was Cernak's second over seven outings in December -- he also missed two games due to a lower-body injury. The veteran defenseman has eight helpers, 23 shots on net, 70 hits, 40 blocked shots, 14 PIM and a plus-12 rating through 30 appearances. Injuries are often a concern since Cernak plays such a physically taxing style, but he's got an outside chance of matching his career high of 18 points from 2020-21 if he stays healthy.

Cernak (lower body) is good to play Saturday versus Seattle, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak missed two games due to the injury. He's projected to play alongside Ryan McDonagh. Cernak's return coincides with J.J. Moser exiting the lineup due to an undisclosed injury. Victor Hedman (lower body) is also unavailable Saturday, so Cernak will likely get more ice time than his season average of 18:24.

Cernak (lower body) will be a game-time decision Saturday versus Seattle, per Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak participated in Tampa Bay's optional morning skate, and head coach Jon Cooper is hopeful the 27-year-old defender will return from a two-game absence. He has collected seven assists, 17 shots on goal, 33 blocked shots and 48 hits through 25 appearances this season.