TAMPA — Judging by their previous outing, the Lightning are going to miss Anton Stralman far more than they are letting on.
Victor Hedman’s trusted partner on Tampa Bay’s top defensive pairing is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks with a fractured left fibula, meaning Stralman likely won’t return unless the Lightning advance into the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Despite winning 3-0 against Toronto on Monday, the Lightning were outplayed and outworked by a young, hungry team saddled with the fewest points in the NHL. That lethargic effort prompted coach Jon Cooper to order up a hard practice Tuesday that accentuated conditioning and structure.