Lightning’s Erik Cernak leaves game against Blue Jackets

Cernak, 28, was forced to exit the game after getting driven hard into the end boards by Columbus’ Mathieu Olivier.

Despite apparently hitting Cernak in the numbers, no penalty was called on Olivier for the play. Cernak did seem to turn his back to Olivier at the very last moment, which likely helped Olivier escape discipline.

In 30 games played for the Lightning this season, Cernak has five assists while averaging a tick over 19 minutes of ice time. The Slovakian national had his career-best campaign last season, when he registered three goals and 18 assists for 21 points in 76 games played.

Initially selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Cernak was traded to Tampa Bay in February of 2017 as part of the deal that sent goaltender Ben Bishop to Los Angeles. He made his NHL debut for the Lightning in the 2018-19 season, and was a member of Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cup championship teams in 2020 and 2021.

Cernak is in his eighth total NHL season, and in the third season of an eight-year, $41.6 million contract with the Lightning.

An extended absence for Cernak would not only affect Tampa Bay, but also potentially the Slovakian men’s national team. Cernak was selected to Slovakia’s roster for the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and figures to play a prominent role on the team’s blueline if healthy.

The Lightning, who currently sit atop the Atlantic Division standings, will kick off a six-game homestand when they host the Utah Mammoth on Monday.