Overview
- Both forwards were injured in Saturday’s loss to Buffalo on separate plays that sent them into the boards after cross-checks by Michael Kesselring and Rasmus Dahlin.
- Cooper confirmed each will miss at least the next two games and cautioned against expecting quicker returns, saying, “Don’t bet on the under.”
- No recalls had been announced as of Tuesday morning, though team reports indicated evaluations were ongoing and call-ups were possible ahead of the Wild game.
- If the absences last only two games, the earliest potential return would be the March 7 matchup against the Maple Leafs.
- Tampa Bay begins a four-game trip in Minnesota and remains atop the Atlantic Division with 80 points through 58 games.