Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning's Bishop participates in morning skate, Game 5 status still unknown

Published Jun. 13, 2015 11:45 a.m. ET

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TAMPA, Fla. -- Ben Bishop feels better, but his status for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday remains unknown.

Bishop, the Tampa Bay Lightning's starting goaltender who missed Game 4 with an unknown injury, participated in his team's morning skate Saturday at Amalie Arena. He blocked shots and slid side-to-side when in net, but none of his action was at full speed. Bishop said he'll discuss his situation with Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper later Saturday, and a collective decision will be made before the game.

"There's progress being made since the beginning," Bishop said. "I'll have a conversation with Coop. I haven't talked to him. And we'll make a decision."

When asked who will make the final choice on his availability, Bishop said multiple voices will be involved. His status has become a dominant storyline since he exited twice in the third period of Game 2. The Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks are tied at two games apiece in the best-of-seven series.

"It's not one person saying one thing," Bishop said. "It's a conversation between all the parties and a decision gets made."

Bishop, 30, is 13-9 with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in 23 starts in the postseason. If he can't go, rookie reserve goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy will receive his second consecutive start. Vasilevskiy made 17 saves on 19 shots in Chicago's Game 4 victory. 

"I hope I have a decision to make," Cooper said.

You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.

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