Palat could return for Lightning against Wild: report

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat on Friday told The Tampa Tribune he feels ready to return from an ankle injury but will wait to see how he feels before playing Saturday against the Minnesota Wild.

Palat, who has two goals and five assists in 18 games this season, has been sidelined since re-aggravating his injury Dec. 12 against the Washington Capitals. He was injured Nov. 7 against the Wild and was out until Dec. 10 against the Ottawa Senators.

Coach Jon Cooper told the newspaper Palat looked good in practice and seemed optimistic about him returning Saturday.

Goaltender Ben Bishop left practice early, but Cooper said it was a precaution and expects Bishop (15-12-3, 2.06 goals-against average, .925 save percentage) to be available against the Wild.

"Don’t think it's anything serious," Cooper said.