WASHINGTON — Tampa Bay Lightning
The team announced Girardi's status Tuesday before visiting the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. Girardi has missed the past five games.
Coach Jon Cooper says the 34-year-old's absence means the Presidents' Trophy-winning Lightning will continue to rely on midseason acquisition Jan Rutta.
Tampa Bay also is without
The Lightning have wrapped up first place in the NHL and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs and still have nine games left.
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The Associated Press