Four days ago, Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov had to be helped off the Amalie Arena with what appeared to be a serious leg injury.
But here was Namestnikov Monday, participating in the morning skate at Madison Square Garden, and a possibility to play tonight against the Rangers, per coach Jon Cooper. Namestnikov said he feels better, that he just got tangled up with Wild's Zach Parise near the boards Thursday.
"I got lucky," Namestnikov said. "It could have been worse."
While Namestnikov could return, neither Tyler Johnson nor Cedric Paquette will play tonight, Cooper said. Both also suffered lower body injuries Thursday.