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Lightning make ‘spicy’ lineup change for Game 2 vs. Canadiens
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- Lightning make ‘spicy’ lineup change for Game 2 vs. Canadiens
Lightning make 'spicy' lineup change for Game 2 vs. Canadiens appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped Game 1 in their Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Montreal Canadiens . In the process, Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous was injured .
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With D'Astous injured, plus the Lightning looking for a boost to their lineup, the team is making changes , per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.
"Lineup changes for Tampa Bay tonight: Carlile in for the injured D'Astous and Sabourin in for Geekie. A little spice with the physical Sabourin inserted tonight. He's pretty excited," LeBrun posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Delcan Carlile, a rookie defenseman, replaces D'Astous. He played in 42 games this year, while also spending time on long-term IR. In those games, he racked up one goal and two assists, while averaging 14:46 of ice time. Conor Geekie leaves the lineup for the Lightning, being replaced by Scott Sabourin .
Sabourin is in his first season with the team, previously playing for the Ottawa Senators , Toronto Maple Leafs , and San Jose Sharks . He played in 26 games for the Lightning in 2025-26, finding the back of the net once and adding four helpers. Still, he is being brought into the lineup for his physical play.
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The first game of the series was a physical tilt, with the Canadiens giving out 42 hits, and the Lightning giving out 44. Still, most of the hits came from the blue line, with only Anthony Cirelli and Nick Paul having more than two hits. Conor Geekie has a blocked shot and two hits in the first game of the series. Meanwhile, Sabourin had 63 hits in just 26 games this season.
The Lightning also could get another physical presence returning to their lineup soon, as Victor Hedman could be back if the team advances to the second round . The first step is getting a win in Game 2, which is set for Tuesday night at Benchmark International Arena.
Related: Is Lightning's Victor Hedman returning vs. Canadiens? Jon Cooper dumps cold water on possibility
Related: Lightning's fatal flaw that will doom them in 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
