Cernak returned from a two-game absence due to an injury in Tampa Bay's most recent game, but he will miss more time, out week-to-week. The 28-year-old hard-hitting Slovak defenseman has four assists, 40 hits, and 43 blocks in 19 games this season.

Cernak was a surprise scratch on Tuesday, with the Lightning not announcing his absence prior to warmups. He is considered day-to-day with the injury.

Cernak managed only one shift in Thursday night's game before exiting with the undisclosed injury and was unable to return. We should get an update on his status ahead of Tampa Bay's game against the Red Wings on Saturday.

Cernak played on 12:22 time-on-ice before exiting Sunday's game early in the third period due to an undisclosed injury. The 27-year-old Slovak defenseman is averaging 18:24 time-on-ice, recording seven points (0G / 7A), 33 blocks, and 48 hits in 25 games.

Cernak played on 12:22 time-on-ice before exiting Sunday's game early in the third period due to an undisclosed injury. The 27-year-old Slovak defenseman is averaging 18:24 time-on-ice, recording seven points (0G / 7A), 33 blocks, and 48 hits in 25 games.

Cernak was injured in Tampa Bay's previous game, but five days of rest between contests have given him enough time to recover and, likely, return to the lineup on Thursday. The 27-year-old Cernak is averaging 18:43 time-on-ice, has four points (0G / 4A), 19 blocks, and 21 hits in 14 games this season.

Cernak left Thursday's game after blocking a shot and did not return to the game. Cernak missed practice on Saturday but the Lightning still did not have an update on his status. Lucky for Cernak, the Lightning don't play again until next Thursday, so he has plenty of time to recover.

Cernak was held out of the lineup on Saturday due to missing a team meeting but will return to the ice on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. Haydn Fleury will exit the lineup, allowing Cernak to make his return.

Cernak exited Tampa Bay's last outing, a 7-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, after playing only 12:31 time-on-ice due to a lower-body injury. However, with five days between contests, Cernak appears to be fully healed and is expected to play on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The Slovak defenseman has nine points (1G / 8A), 139 hits, and 83 blocks in 53 games this season.

Cernak was a surprise scratch for Thursday's game, with the team not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Calvin de Haan will play in Cernak's place.

Cernak returned to practice earlier this week and will re-enter the lineup on Wednesday after a seven-game absence. Cernak has five points (0G / 5A), 90 hits, and 62 blocks in 39 games this season.