Cirelli exited Tuesday’s series opener early in the second period shortly after the Panthers ran out to a three-goal lead in their eventual 6-2 win. He did not participate in Thursday’s full-team morning skate, an indication that he is unlikely to suit up for Game 2. The nature of his injury has yet to be disclosed.

In a game in which the story line going in was the return of Matthew Tkachuk (who did not disappoint), the story within the story was just how many things could have possibly gone wrong for the Tampa Bay Lightning in its playoff opener against the Florida Panthers.