The Tampa Bay Lightning, led by head coach Jon Cooper, enter the 2024-25 NHL playoffs with their sights set on a rematch with the Florida Panthers, who eliminated them in the first round last year. Up front, star Brad Marchand, among others, will take the ice.
This instance is a big challenge for Tampa Bay, as they will be playing a key matchup without a key player after Cooper confirmed a serious injury update. However, the Lightning have secured home-ice advantage in this series, which could help them.
Cooper will showcase his tactical approach and adaptability in an effort to contain stars like Marchand on Florida’s side. The Tampa Bay coach will aim to guide his team with a strategy built on speed and relentless pressure, although he’ll also need to find a way to replace a key piece in the offense.
Lightning player to miss series against Panthers
The forward who will miss the first-round NHL playoff series against the Panthers is none other than Oliver Bjorkstrand, who will be sidelined due to a lower-body injury. Head coach Jon Cooper confirmed the extended absence of the offensive contributor.
Bjorkstrand is listed as “week-to-week” in terms of his recovery. He was injured in an overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on April 11. Since joining the Lightning, the former Seattle Squid has five goals and four assists in 18 games.
Bjorkstrand’s absence, an obstacle for Cooper
The injury absence of Bjorkstrand is a significant blow for Tampa Bay, especially as they face the defending Stanley Cup champions, who are once again serious contenders for the title. The Lightning will need to rely on other offensive stars, such as Nikita Kucherov, who has been a key part of Tampa Bay’s success and led the NHL with 121 points during the 2024–25 season.