6:52 PM ET

TORONTO —

Hedman has been Tampa Bay’s strong presence on the back end, including through three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final (and two straight title runs). This season he clocked 23:43 per night with nine goals and 49 points in 76 games.

The Lightning’s blue line also missed Erik Cernak in Game 2. He took an elbow to the head from the Leafs’ forward Michael Bunting in Game 1 and was forced out in the second period. Bunting was subsequently suspended three games for an illegal check to the head and interference after the NHL’s Department of Player Safety held a hearing with the winger Wednesday.

Cernak has been ruled out for Thursday’s game at least. There is no timeline for his return.