Tampa Bay Lightning star Brayden Point will play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night, head coach Jon Cooper said Tuesday.
Forward Brandon Hagel's game-time status, however, is unclear. Cooper says he isn't sure whether he will be able to play.
Point was a full participant at Tuesday's practice ahead and skated with Tampa's top power-play unit. He has not played since Game 7 of the Lightning's first-round series against Toronto on May 14, sidelined with a lower-body injury.
"We’ve still got to see. It’s just fun to be out there with the team and be a part of it," Point said Tuesday. "It’s a feel thing. You’ve got to make sure that when you come back you’re going to help the team.”
The 26-year-old center led the NHL with 14 goals in each of the past two postseasons and registered two goals and two assists in seven games these playoffs before being injured. His .514 goals per playoff game ranks 17th in NHL history.
“He's an elite player in this league," Cooper said. "He will play his minutes accordingly of how he's responding. It's tough to not play and then jump into a Stanley Cup Final game."
Tampa Bay is looking to become the first team since the 1982 Islanders to capture a third consecutive Stanley Cup title. They face off against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
(Photo: Kim Klement / USA Today)
How did Point look at today’s practice?
Joe Smith, Lightning staff writer: Like he was close to returning. Point took line rushes, was back on the top power-play unit and had the speed and look like he was ready. We won’t know until Wednesday, but his return could be any day now. And that’s a big boost for Tampa.
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How important is Point’s return?
Smith: Point is a top-10 player in the league and, according to Rangers coach Gerard Gallant, the best all-around player on the Lightning. He’s the engine to their offense and plays a key role on the power play. Tampa Bay went 8-2 without him, but they’re a much more formidable and deeper team with him.