Lightning training facilities deemed safe, reopened for workouts

The Tampa Bay Lightning reopened their two training facilities Wednesday, five days after closing them because of players testing positive for COVID-19.

Three Lightning players and additional staff members tested positive for the virus June 19 and were in self-isolation.

The facilities have been deemed safe environments, allowing the Lightning to resume voluntary workouts in small groups under Phase 2 of the NHL Return to Play Plan. Phase 2 began June 8. The NHL season was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

"The Lightning are steadfast in doing all that we can to ensure the health and safety of our players, staff, fans and the community," general manager Julien BriseBois said June 19. "With a significant rise in cases in the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the State of Florida we are imploring everyone in the Bay Area, especially young people, to help slow the spread of the pandemic by diligently following the recommendations of government officials by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and continuing to wash their hands regularly. We need to work together as a community to slow the spread."

Under the Return to Play Plan, 24 teams will compete for the Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay (43-21-6, .657 points percentage) finished second in the Eastern Conference and will play a round-robin in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers against the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers to determine seeding for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dates and the two hub cities -- one for the 12 participating teams in the East, and one for the 12 Western Conference teams -- have not been announced.