Lightning rule out Point for Game 4 of Eastern Conference Final

Tampa Bay Lightning centre Brayden Point (21) brings the puck up the ice against the New York Islanders.(Frank Franklin II/AP)

Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper confirmed on Monday that Brayden Point will remain out ahead of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final.

During Monday morning's optional practice, Point skated with his teammates for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury in the first round, a sign of progress after skating in full equipment for time back on June 1.

Point was injured late in the first period during their Game 7 victory against the Maple Leafs in Round 1, when he lost an edge and slid awkwardly into the boards, with his right leg buckling underneath him. Still in visible pain, he remained on the bench for the rest of the game, but did not take another shift.

Point did not play at all during the Lightning's Round 2 sweep of the Panthers.

Cooper previously said it was improbable that Point will return for the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers, but he noted that the "worst of it is over" for Point and that he is improving daily.

The lightning look to even the series in Game 4 at Amalie Arena Tuesday night at 8:00 pm ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW.

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