Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand will not play in the team's Eastern Conference first-round series against the Florida Panthers, head coach Jon Cooper announced on Saturday.

While Tkachuk might be ready for Game 1 against Tampa Bay, the Lightning will be without a key forward for the entire series.

After a strong 2024-25 regular-season, the Tampa Bay Lightning are ready for the playoffs. The Lightning will play Game 1 of the first round against the Florida Panthers on April 22, and it should be a great series.

John Romano | Julien BriseBois should be in line for GM of the Year after a series of moves last summer reinvigorated a fading roster.

NHL playoffs begin, here are our expert picks for every first-round winner. Eastern Conference Capitals vs. Canadiens. Series odds: Capitals -275, Canadiens +220 (

For the third time in four seasons, the Panthers and Lightning are meeting in the playoffs. This one might be the best yet.