The Tampa Bay Lightning may get a massive boost ahead of Game 1 against the New York Rangers. Star forward Brayden Point has been sidelined since Game 7 of the Lightning's first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, having missed the entire second-round sweep of the Florida Panthers. Early indications suggested Point would likely be out for at least the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals in New York, but that may not be the case after all.

Via Emily Kaplan, Point was seen skating on the ice at Madison Square Garden after Tampa's optional morning skate on Wednesday. It's the first time Point's been spotted skating since sustaining the injury in Game 7, and could foreshadow a surprise return to action ahead of the series-opener in New York.

This would be a dramatic turnaround from the recent reports that indicated Point was doubtful for Game 1. The 26-year-old hadn't been seen at any of Tampa's practices leading up to Wednesday, so catching a glimpse of him putting in work ahead of the game against the Rangers is an extremely encouraging sign for Lightning fans.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Julien BriseBois in middle, Gage Goncalves and Yanni Gourde on either side, hockey rink in background Tampa Bay Lightning
3 early predictions for Lightning offseason after Panthers series loss
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) passes the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period of game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena.
Victor Hedman played Games 4 and 5 vs. Panthers with broken foot
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena.
Andrei Vasilevskiy drops fiery NSFW rant on Lightning’s home struggles vs Panthers

Whether or not he is ready to make his return to the lineup in Game 1 remains to be seen, but Lightning fans should be fired up over the fact that their star forward seems to finally be making significant progress.

Point sustained a lower-body injury against the Maple Leafs in Game 7 in the first round. While he returned later that game and helped Tampa advance to the second round, the injury cost him the entire second round against the Panthers. Tampa managed to sweep the regular-season champs in just four games, but a matchup against Igor Shesterkin and the Rangers may prove a bit more challenging, particularly offensively. Getting Point back in the fold would be a huge boost for Tampa as they look to get some goals past the best netminder in hockey.

Fans should be on the lookout for a more definitive update on Point, but this is certainly encouraging news with Game 1 looming.