Stamkos Return Not Enough for Lightning

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Heading into tonight’s Game 7 against Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper went all-in, putting star forward Steven Stamkos in the lineup for the first time in nearly two months.

Drawing comparisons to New York Knicks legend Willis Reed in the 1970 NBA Finals, Stamkos sent social media afire when he appeared in uniform and on the ice during the pregame skate.

Unfortunately for Stamkos, his appearance wasn’t enough for the Bolts as they fell 2-1 on the road to Pittsburgh in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Stamkos saw 11:55 of ice time, not registering a point but did get two shots on goal in addition to two hits. This could have been his last game with Tampa Bay, as he enters free agency this summer.

Bryan Rust scored twice for the Penguins, giving him five for the playoffs. His game-winning goal at 10:06 came 30 seconds after Jonathan Drouin evened the score for the visitors.

Pittsburgh will stay at home over the weekend, preparing to host Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against San Jose. Game 1 will take place Monday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC, CBC and TVA Sports.

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