Ben Bishop Practices, But Lightning Don't Announce Starting Goalie
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Hey, Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who will be your starting goaltender for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night?
"Really awkward," Cooper said with a laugh. "What was the question?"
But Cooper knew what the question was. He heard it well, and he continues to play coy with the Lightning's mysterious goaltending situation.
Starting goalie Ben Bishop left during the third period of Tampa Bay's 4-3 win in Game 2 on Saturday. He returned shortly after, then left with more than seven minutes remaining in the game and didn't return.
In came 20-year-old rookie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who secured the Lightning's late lead. Cooper and players have held great confidence in Vasilevskiy, despite his inexperience.
When Tampa Bay took to the United Center ice for morning skate on Monday, both goaltenders were in net. Bishop appeared to be fine. What happened during Game 2 -- was it an injury or illness?
"Not going to be much help to you guys right now," Bishop said. "I'm not going to comment on that."
Like Cooper, Bishop dodged all questions about the goaltending situation, electing for the element of surprise.
Bishop managed to match his coach's ability to stay mum on the situation.
"I feel like Marshawn Lynch right now," said Bishop, referring to his short answers.
As Bishop walked away, he laughed and apologized for not providing details. However, he was the first man off the ice for Tampa Bay, which would seem to suggest he will play.
Should it be Vasilevskiy instead of Bishop, the Lightning maintain full confidence in the rookie. Several players backed his work ethic and preparation for this moment.
"He works extremely hard in practice, and he's ready," Lightning star forward Steven Stamkos said.
Clarity on the perplexing situation will come before Game 3 when starting lineups are revealed. For now, Cooper is keeping intentionally oblivious, at least in front of the cameras and microphones.
"One of them is playing," Cooper said. "It's Vasi or Bish. That will be determined tonight."
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.