Already down one game, the Tampa Bay Lightning now could be down a defenceman, too.
Blue-liner Charle-Edouard D'Astous is doubtful to play in Tuesday's Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT), head coach Jon Cooper told reporters on Monday.
D'Astous was forced to exit Sunday's Game 1 against the Canadiens after he was on the receiving end of a big hit behind his own net.
While playing the puck midway through the second period, D'Astous was hit by two Canadiens forwards at the same time. Jake Evans caught D'Astous from the front, while Josh Anderson came flying in with a big hit from behind.
D'Astous eventually got to his feet but needed assistance from teammates to get off the ice. He did not return for the third period.
Anderson was sent to the box for the hit, and the referees reviewed the play for a five-minute major. The play was downgraded to a two-minute minor for charging, and the Lightning went on to score on the ensuing power play.
D'Astous, 27, had six goals and 23 assists in 70 games for the Lightning in the regular season.
It's another blow to the Tampa Bay blue line, as the Lightning were already without star defenceman Victor Hedman for Game 1.
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