Cernak (upper body) was injured in the second period of Wednesday's game versus the Avalanche, Ryan Boulding of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was hit high by Matthew Steinburg and wasn't able to return to the game. Head coach Jon Cooper didn't have an update on Cernak's status after the contest. The Lightning are in the middle of a road trip with the next game coming Friday in Minnesota. Nick Perbix would draw into the lineup if Cernak can't play.

Cernak logged a shorthanded assist, two hits and two PIM in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak isn't one to put up a lot of offense, though he's done alright with three assists through seven games this season. The defenseman helped out on Brandon Hagel's game-tying goal in the second period. Cernak has added four shots on net, six PIM, 12 hits, 11 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating while playing on the second pairing.

Cernak recorded an assist, two shots on goal, two hits and two blocked shots in Friday's 4-1 win over the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak had a secondary assist on Nikita Kucherov's first empty-netter. Offense has never been much of a component of Cernak's play -- he's a physical shutdown defenseman who can handle top-four minutes. He's also reached the 70-game mark just once in his first six campaigns, so any fantasy managers counting on him for hits and blocked shots should have a backup plan in place. Last campaign, he produced two goals, 11 helpers, 198 hits, 109 blocks and 63 PIM over 69 regular-season appearances.

Cernak (coach's decision) is expected back in the lineup against the Red Wings on Monday, Gabby Shirley of Bally Sports Florida reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak was held out of Saturday's game versus the Islanders after missing a team meeting but it seems his punishment won't carry beyond that one game. The defenseman had just two assists and two shots on goal over 10 games in March. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to break out of his 17-game goal drought any time soon.

Cernak (coach's decision) won't play Saturday against the Islanders after missing a team meeting, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak will be replaced in the lineup by Haydn Fleury, who missed the past six games due to a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old Cernak has 11 points, 61 PIM, 94 blocked shots and 158 hits in 60 appearances this season.

Cernak notched an assist in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak has three helpers over his last seven contests, a rare run of productivity for the defense-first blueliner. The 26-year-old is up to 11 points, 144 hits, 87 blocked shots, 61 PIM and 43 shots on net through 56 outings this season. While he often sees top-four minutes, his lack of offense severely limits his fantasy value.

Cernak (lower body) is slated to play against the Rangers on Thursday, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak appears to have avoided a serious issue after suffering a lower-body injury against the Flyers on Saturday. The 26-year-old defenseman has just two points in his last 10 contests while garnering just six shots over that span. Outside of hits and blocks, Cernak shouldn't be expected to offer much in the way of fantasy value.

Cernak sustained a lower-body injury in Saturday's game versus the Flyers, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Krenn, head coach Jon Cooper didn't not provide a specific update as to how much concern there is for Cernak's status going forward. The Lightning are off until Thursday's game versus the Rangers, which may give the defenseman time to recover if it's a fairly minor injury. If he has to miss time, Calvin de Haan will likely take Cernak's spot in the lineup.

Cernak (illness) is warming up ahead of Saturday's game, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports, indicating he will play against the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

After missing Thursday's matchup with an illness, Cernak appears ready to go Saturday. The 26-year-old blueliner has eight points (one goal, seven assists) with 128 hits and 74 blocked shots through 46 games this season.

Cernak (illness) won't play Thursday versus the Capitals, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cernak has been banged up a few times this season, so this is a relatively favorable reason for an absence. He should be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's game versus the Islanders. Calvin de Haan will play in place of Cernak on Thursday.