Steven Stamkos returns to Lightning practice

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper joins Hockey Central at Noon to talk about the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs and what he said to Pavel Datsyuk during handshakes.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had a familiar face back at practice on Tuesday morning.

Captain Steven Stamkos, who has been out with a blood clot, was at Lightning practice wearing a non-contact red jersey.

The 26-year-old was due to miss one-to-three months after undergoing surgery on April 4 to fix a blood clot in his right shoulder. Two experts told The Canadian Press earlier this month that they were doubtful Stamkos would be able to rejoin Tampa Bay during the playoffs.

The Lightning beat the Detroit Red Wings in five games during their first round playoff series. They’re due to face the New York Islanders in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, which begin on Wednesday.

Stamkos has 15 goals and 20 assists in 48 playoffs games and helped Tampa Bay reach the Stanley Cup final last season.

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