Lightning scratch Erik Cernak for missing team meeting

Reports have surfaced that the Tampa Bay Lightning will be scratching veteran defenseman Erik Cernak against the New York Islanders tonight. The move comes after he missed a team meeting.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are fighting for a playoff spot down the stretch and find themselves in a wild card spot. With wins needed to keep their spot a strange announcement was made that Erik Cernak will be scratched for missing a team meeting.





The NHL is all about winning and performing at the highest level. Part of the performance comes from proper preparation. Erik Cernak failed to live up to the standard set by Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning and therefore will now have to watch from the press box tonight.

While Erik Cernak will face his punishment tonight he will still be a key contributor if the Tampa Bay Lightning are going to win another Stanley Cup.