Lightning Lose Stamkos to Broken Tibia
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Bruce Bennett/Getty Images(BOSTON) — Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos is out indefinitely after breaking the tibia in his right leg Monday in a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins.
Stamkos, who is tied with Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby for the NHL points lead (23), was backchecking in the second period when he got tangled up with Boston defenseman Dougie Hamilton and went sliding into the left goal post of the Bruins’ net.
Players on both squads tapped their sticks on the ice and fans applauded in tribute as Stamkos was taken off the ice on a stretcher and sent to Massachusetts General Hospital.
“The medical staff in Boston, in consultation with our team physicians, has made the decision to surgically repair the injury,” Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. “The procedure is expected to take place tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. The biggest concern for me, and the rest of the Lightning, is that decisions are made in Steven’s best long-term interest, and we feel this is the appropriate course of action.”
The Lightning (12-5-0, 24 pts.) currently have the most points in the Eastern Conference.
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