Cernak missed the Lightnings' last two games as he served his suspension for an elbow to Buffalo's Kyle Okposo but will return to the lineup Tuesday. The 25-year-old bruising defenseman has a goal, 10 assists, 57 SOG, and 42 PIMs across 51 games played prior to his suspension.

Cernak left Saturday's game in Nashville with an undisclosed injury and did not return. However, Cernak was on the ice for Monday's practice and is expected to play Tuesday vs. the Senators. Cernak is goalless in his last 11 games, registering three assists, 12 shots, 35 hits and 16 blocked shots.

Cernak has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury and will miss at least three more according to the head coach Jon Cooper. With Cernak, Jan Rutta and Zach Bogosian all sidelined, Frederik Claesson and Andrej Sustr will remain with the Lightning.

Cernak suffered a lower-body injury on Thursday vs. the Canucks and is questionable to play Saturday vs. the Stars. According to head coach Jon Cooper, Ryan McDonagh, who is also a game-time decision, has a better chance of playing than Cernak.

The Lightning initially called Cernak day-to-day but was downgraded on Friday afternoon. Don't expect to see Cernak back until after the Christmas break. Zach Bogosian should continue to skate in the top-4 while Cernak is out.

Cernak is battling a lower-body injury and will miss his second straight game on Tuesday. Head coach Jon Cooper said that Cernak is closer to day-to-day than week-to-week, so don't expect him to be out for an extended period of time.