Stamkos set to return vs. Panthers

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos says he's ready to return to action Monday against the Florida Panthers after a two-game absence, according to team reporter Bryan Burns.

Stamkos confirmed he had a false positive test that placed him on the league's COVID-19 protocol list Friday.

The 31-year-old was a late scratch Thursday due to a lower-body injury, and head coach Jon Cooper revealed the ailment would have kept the veteran out of Saturday's victory over the Panthers anyway, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Eduardo A. Encina.

Stamkos has recorded seven goals and seven assists in 11 games this season.