But the Lightning could get help in both the goals against and penalty kill departments relatively soon.
For the first time since suffering a lower-body injury January 20 at Minnesota, Tampa Bay forward Ondrej Palat skated a full practice session in a regular jersey on Wednesday, shedding the red no-contact jersey that had become a staple of his on-ice attire as he continues to rehab. Palat was scheduled to miss six to eight weeks of action. Saturday's critical Atlantic Division showdown with the Boston Bruins at AMALIE Arena would be exactly eight weeks from his time of injury.
"It's good, I was in a normal color today," Palat said. "I could do battles and everything. It's nice to be part of the team again and have a good practice."
Palat said it's unlikely he'll be ready to go by the time the Lightning host the Bruins, but he could jump back into the lineup soon after. In 46 games for Tampa Bay this season, Palat has recorded eight goals and 22 assists and is plus-17.
"I don't have a date yet (to return)," he said. "Hopefully soon."
Tampa Bay could certainly use his services. Palat is one of the Lightning's best two-way forwards and is often matched up against the opposition's top scoring line. He's also an effective penalty killer too, ranking fifth among Bolts forwards for average shorthanded time on ice (1:14).
Despite missing the last 24 games, Palat is third among Lightning forwards for blocked shots (42) and tied for sixth overall on the team for takeaways (30).
Once Palat returns to the lineup, the Lightning will finally be back at full strength for the first time in quite a while.
"I want to be ready for playoffs and I need to get some games in the regular season to make sure I have my confidence back, my timing back," Palat said. "That's important for me."
