Lightning’s Anthony Cirelli doubtful for game vs. Oilers

It looks like the Tampa Bay Lightning will be missing one of their top forwards for Tuesday’s game against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper said Anthony Cirelli is doubtful after he suffered an apparent injury following a hit from Noah Juulsen of the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.

The incident occurred in the first period. The Canucks defenceman laid a hit on Cirelli, with the forward’s back colliding awkwardly with the boards in front of Vancouver’s bench.

The play didn’t stop following the hit, with Cirelli able to skate off by himself and go back to the team’s locker room. He did not return for the rest of the game.

Cirelli, 27, has finished in the top five for Selke voting twice in the past seven seasons. His offensive play has taken a leap this year as he’s tallied 11 goals and 13 assists in 25 games while centring the Lightning’s productive second line.

With his improved offensive skillset, the Toronto native earned a spot on Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off team alongside teammates Brayden Point and Brandon Hagel and head coach Cooper.

Meanwhile, Cooper said defenceman Erik Cernak will be out against Edmonton after he also was injured Sunday.

Despite losing long-time captain Steven Stamkos in the off-season, the Lightning have fared well, picking up a 14-9-2 record and sitting fourth in the Atlantic division.

Watch the Oilers-Lightning game at 9 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. MT on Sportsnet ONE or Sportsnet+.