Ben Bishop

Ben Bishop (lower body injury) close to returning for Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (lower body) was a normal participant in Tuesday's practice.

What It Means:

Bishop is optimistic that he will be available for a road trip that begins next week in California. The Lightning have games on Thursday and Friday, so perhaps he can return prior to this weekend. Andrei Vasilevskiy has struggled in Tampa Bay's post this season, recording a 2.97 goals-against average and .904 save percentage with a 10-9-2 record.

After leading the league in goals-against average last year, Bishop has struggled this season. He is 9-10-2 with a 2.79 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage that is his worst since the 2010-11 season, when he played only seven games.