The Tampa Bay Lightning may get a boost to their lineup in the Eastern Conference final against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but it looks unlikely to come from Steven Stamkos.

Stamkos told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times his situation remains status quo, but added he believes he could play. The 26-year-old captain of the Lightning has been out since early April due to a blood clot in his right arm. Stamkos was given a one-to-three month timetable at the time and remains on blood thinners, keeping him sidelined.

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The Lightning could, however, benefit from the return of defenceman Anton Stralman who took part in practice on Wednesday, skating alongside Victor Hedman.

Wednesday marked the first full-team practice for Stralman since he suffered a fractured fibula on March 25. Stralman made no promises of a return date after practice, telling Smith it was “hard to say” when he’d dress in a game.

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Lightning forward J.T. Brown also took part in practice on Wednesday. He has been sidelined since Game 2 of the team’s opening-round series against the Detroit Red Wings due to an upper-body injury.

The Lightning play Game 1 against the Penguins on Friday night in Pittsburgh.