Coach Jon Cooper said prior to the Lightning's 6-2 loss in Game 1 against the New York Rangers that they are preparing to play the best-of-7 series without the forward.
"If he gets to play in this series, that's a bonus for everybody," Cooper said. "It's great to have him around with our group. He's a big part of our group, but the guys are focused on who's in right now and the 20 guys who are going to play tonight, and tonight he's not one of them."
Point, who hasn't played since he was injured in Game 7 of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 14, skated for about 25 minutes at half speed at the end of the Lightning's optional morning skate Wednesday. Cooper said it was the first time Point skated wearing full equipment, but he had skated previously without it.
"'Pointer' is playing hockey again. We just don't know if it's this season, next season, this round," Cooper said. "If we're fortunate enough to win this round, can he play the next one? We don't know that. Is he improving daily? He is. But it's way too soon to tell now if he's going to be able to play or not. But I think the worst of it is over for him now. It's probably the painstaking part when he'll be able to go, but I would temper any expectations of him coming back."
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Though Point was slow to get up and left the ice after falling at the end of his skate Wednesday, Cooper said that he was fine.
"Probably more embarrassment than anything," Cooper said.
Point had four points (two goals, two assists) in seven playoff games prior to the injury. He led the NHL with 14 goals in each of the previous two postseasons to help the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
