Charle-edouard D'astous Set for Game 6 Return With Lightning
charle-edouard d'astous is expected to rejoin the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup for Game 6 against the Canadiens de Montréal. He missed the last four games after Josh Anderson hit him in the first game, and Tampa Bay enters the sixth match on the verge of elimination.
D'Astous ready at Centre Bell
D'Astous said Friday morning, before Game 6, “Ce n’est pas ma décision, mais je suis prêt, si j’ai à jouer ce soir.” He added at the Centre Bell, “Je suis un peu nerveux, je suis humain après tout” and “Si j’ai à jouer, j’ai super hâte et je suis prêt.” His loved ones were going to be in the stands, and he also said, “Jouer au Centre Bell avec la foule, ce sera un moment exceptionnel.”
Lightning blue-line changes
The 28-year-old defenseman had six goals and 29 points in 70 games this season, production Tampa Bay had leaned on for depth before the injury. He left after only 9:48 of ice time 12 days earlier, then watched the next four games from the press box while Declan Carlile and Max Crozier filled in.
Hedman still out
Victor Hedman will not be in uniform for Game 6, even as Jon Cooper said he would become an option “très bientôt.” Tampa Bay had the lead for only 27:12 across five games, compared with 103:19 for the Canadiens, and Cooper called a goal allowed 11 seconds after the team tied the game, “C’est inacceptable.”
D’Astous now gives Tampa Bay another defense option in a game with no margin left. If he plays, the Lightning are banking on a healthier blue line to hold up long enough to force the series deeper.
