Merela was an undrafted free agent out of Finland, who has spent the last four seasons in Finland's top-tier. In 2023, he had 33 points (15G / 18A) in 41 games with Tappara Tampere (Liiga).
The Lightning selected Groshev in the third round (No.85 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. The 21-year-old winger had six points (4G / 2A) in 34 games with St. Petersburg SKA (KHL) in 2023.
Point took a hard hit from Morgan Reilly in Game 3 which caused him to miss a period of the second period and will now be a game-time decision for Game 4 but is expected to play as a whole. The 27-year-old has two goals, three points, 13 SOG, two PIMs and a -1 plus/minus through three games in the Lightning's opening series.
Point took a hard hit from Morgan Reilly in Game 3 which caused him to miss a period of the second period and will now be a game-time decision for Game 4 but is expected to play as a whole. The 27-year-old has two goals, three points, 13 SOG, two PIMs and a -1 plus/minus through three games in the Lightning's opening series.
Hedman left Game 1 with an undisclosed injury after just 6:35 TOI and will be a game-time decision Thursday for Game 2 as he deals with an undisclosed injury. If the 32-year-old is forced to miss any of the series it will be a massive loss for Tampa Bay, as he has 156 NHL playoff games under his belt across 10 seasons.
Cernak had to leave Game 1 Tuesday after taking a high hit from Toronto's Michael Bunting after just 9:27 TOI and will be out Thursday for Game 2. The 25-year-old is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and will hopefully be back at some point in the first round.
Sogaard allowed two goals on 29 shots (.931 SV%) for his third victory in five games played as he beat the Carolina Hurricanes in his previous start. The 22-year-old has endured a year of learning in his tough, rookie season, with his 8-6-2 record, 3.29 GAA and .889 SV%. He takes on the Buffalo Sabres for their second last contest of the season, who snapped a three-game winning streak with a 6-2 loss to New Jersey on Tuesday.
