Cernak (suspension) will return from a two-game suspension to face the Hurricanes on Saturday, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak's suspension was for elbowing Rasmus Dahlin in Monday's win over Buffalo. Dahlin remains out indefinitely with a concussion. Cernak is returning at an opportune time since Brayden Coburn left Saturday's game with a lower-body injury. However, the 22-year-old's fantasy aptitude is negligible, as he's recorded just one point through 20 games.

Cernak has been suspended two games for elbowing Rasmus Dahlin during Monday's win over Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak wasn't called for a penalty on the play, but his elbow got up high on Dahlin, who suffered a concussion from the blow. He'll sit out Wednesday and Friday against the Blues and Capitals, respectively, before being eligible to return Saturday versus Carolina. Jan Rutta is expected to enter the lineup in his stead, although Braydon Coburn could return to the blue line after working with the forward corps lately.

Cernak will have a hearing Tuesday after elbowing Rasmus Dahlin's (concussion) head during Monday's win over the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak crushed Dahlin with an elbow that went uncalled but resulted in Dahlin leaving the game and being diagnosed with a concussion. A suspension seems likely at this point. If that's the case, expect Jan Rutta or Braydon Coburn to replace him on the blue line.

Cernak (lower body) is back in action for Friday's game against the Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning radio analyst Caley Chelios reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was a late scratch from Wednesday's lineup due to a lower-body issue, but his absence won't last beyond one game. While the blueliner will pair with Ryan McDonagh on Friday, Cernak's fantasy upside remains low considering he owns just one point through 11 games this season and he's not part of his team's power play.

Cernak will be a game-time decision for Friday night's matchup with the Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning radio analyst Caley Chelios reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Cernak's able to go, he'll likely replace Luke Schenn on the Lightning's top pairing against the Islanders. Confirmation on his status should arrive prior to puck drop.

Cernak (lower body) wasn't present for warmups and won't play Wednesday against the Devils, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Lightning will be missing their entire top blue-line pairing since Victor Hedman (lower body) is on IR. Cernak is mainly a defensive asset with zero points over the last 10 games, but he surprised last year with 10 points over the final 21 outings, including playoffs. Recently recalled defensemen Jan Rutta and Luke Schenn will both slot into the lineup.

Cernak has gone 10 games without a point.

EDGE Analysis

Technically, he's not really an offensive player, but his all-round performance as a rookie last season made Cernak a darling of fans and team brass alike. He could see an uptick in offensive ice time if Victor Hedman's injury keeps him down long.

Cernak is playing big minutes paired with Ryan McDonagh on the Lightning's top shutdown pairing.

EDGE Analysis

He's played more than 21:30 in two of the Bolts' first three games and has a goal to show for it. Cernak won't get power-play time, so any special teams points he'll get might be the shorthanded kind. He's a solid 25-point guy who'll be a fabulous friend to his goalie, but limited in fantasy value.

Cernak finished his first postseason with three assists in four games.

EDGE Analysis

He was the best Bolt defender on the ice. That's heady praise for the rookie and it wasn't just because the rest of the blue line seemed like a shell of itself. Cernak played smart, poised hockey with great vision and a clear focus in his own zone. This guy is going to be a good one.

Cernak went plus-1 and dished out six hits in Monday's win over the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie is average offensively with 14 points through 55 games, but he is an excellent defensive asset with a plus-25 rating and 191 hits in that span. The 21-year-old is currently getting work on the top pairing since Victor Hedman (upper body) and Anton Stralman (lower body) are sitting out, but that workload likely won't continue into the postseason.