Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) and left wing Patrick Maroon (14) celebrates Stamkos scoring a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin (not pictured) during the first period in game three of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Lightning captain Steven Stamkos out for Game 4 vs. Stars

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/25/20

The Tampa Bay Lightning were lucky enough to get Steven Stamkos back for one period during Game 3 against the Dallas Stars. Game 4 will get underway on Friday, and the Bolts will be tasked with taking a commanding 3-1 series lead without their captain.

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper told reporters that Stamkos has been deemed "unfit to play" Game 4. However, he hasn't been ruled out for the remainder of the series.

“He’s not going to play tonight,” says Jon Cooper of Steve Stamkos’ status.

Notes the Lightning haven’t ruled him out for the series as of yet.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) September 25, 2020

In his first game since February, Stamkos lit the lamp to help Tampa Bay win Game 3 on Wednesday.

While Stamkos certainly can help the Lightning in their quest for the Stanley Cup, there's no reason to rush him back onto the ice, particularly after taking a 2-1 series lead. Tampa Bay defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston Bruins and New York Islanders to move on to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance since the 2014-15 season. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Bolts in six games to win the title that season.

The Lightning have not won a Stanley Cup since the 2003-04 season.

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