Cernak (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Thursday night's matchup with Dallas, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

It isn't clear what Cernak is dealing with, but if he's unable to go against the Stars, Luke Schenn will draw into the lineup. Cernak has picked up 10 points, 55 shots and 57 hits through 29 games this campaign.

Cernak scored a goal on three shots, dished an assist and added a fighting major in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak took care of the assist part of the Gordie Howe hat trick first, with a secondary helper on Tyler Johnson's first-period marker. In the second, he fought Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha. Cernak capped off his big game with his first goal of the year in the third period, which tied the game at 3-3. The 23-year-old defenseman is up to seven points, 39 shots on net, 43 hits and 15 PIM through 21 contests. He's typically more of a defensive player -- Tuesday marked his first multi-point outing of the year.

Cernak (upper body) is expected to play Tuesday against Detroit, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak exited Sunday's matchup with the Blackhawks after taking a high hit from Chicago's Connor Murphy, but he won't be forced to miss any additional game action. The 23-year-old Slovakian has notched five points in 20 games this season.

Head coach Jon Cooper is "hopeful" that Cernak (upper body) will be ready for Tuesday's game versus the Red Wings, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak exited in the second period of Sunday's game against the Blackhawks after taking a hit to the head from Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy, who was ejected as a result. The fact that Cernak has a chance to play Tuesday signals that the 23-year-old isn't in concussion protocol.

Cernak (upper body) won't return to Sunday's game against the Blackhawks after taking a hit to the head from Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy in the second period, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy was handed a five-minute major and a match penalty for his actions. The biggest concern here is a possible concussion, but there's still no word on if he's in the league's protocol. Expect another update before Tuesday's matchup against the Red Wings.

Cernak (upper body) will return to the lineup for Friday's tilt with the Blackhawks, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak missed only one game while dealing with an upper-body issue. He has four assists through 18 games this season. With Jan Rutta (lower body) out, Cernak should get back on the top pair alongside Victor Hedman.

Cernak (upper body) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak is considered day-to-day. Luke Schenn will enter the lineup in his place Thursday.

Cernak (lower body) is expected to play Saturday against Dallas, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak exited Thursday's win over Carolina with a lower-body injury, but he'll slot into his usual spot on Tampa Bay's second pairing Saturday. He's tallied four assists in 16 games this season.

Cernak (lower body) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Hurricanes, Caley Chelios of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was injured on a blocked shot in the second period of the contest. He hobbled to the bench and went into the locker room early and did not return at the start of the third period. The 23-year-old plays a mostly defensive role for the Lightning. If Cernak misses time, Luke Schenn would likely enter the lineup in a similar second-pairing role.

Cernak registered an assist, three shots on goal, three blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Monday's 4-1 win over the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak's assist on Anthony Cirelli's first-period tally snapped a six-game point drought for the former. The 23-year-old Cernak also missed two games with an upper-body injury in that stretch. The Slovakian blueliner has just two assists this season, but he's added a plus-8 rating, 16 shots on net, 11 hits and 12 blocked shots through eight appearances. He's typically more of a defense-first player, so there's not much fantasy appeal with Cernak.