Tampa Bay Lightning to be Without their Captain Steven Stamkos for a Stretch
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Thursday that they will be without the services of their captain, Steven Stamkos, for an indefinite stretch of the season, after he will need surgery on his right knee.
Stamkos suffered a torn meniscus on Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings. While he will be heading out to Vail, Colorado to have arthroscopic surgery to repair the knee, the Lightning will officially know how long they will be without the services of the captain and leading scorer after the surgery is completed.
TSN’s, Bob McKenzie reported that the surgery would be performed by knee specialist, Dr. Robert LePrade, of the Steadman Clinic. The recovery time while different depending on the person, usually takes about four to six months of rehabilitation.
LePrade is one of the top knee surgeons in the country who happens to “specialize in treating complex multi-ligament knee injuries.”
The Lightning have survived the past few seasons with significant absences of their captain. Last season, Stamkos missed the end of the regular season and most the postseason due to a blood clot. During the 2013-2014 season, he missed more than half of the regular with a broken leg.
In 17 games this season, the 26-year-old is tied for third place in the National Hockey League with Tyler Seguin in scoring, with nine goals and 11 assists. Only Mark Schleifele, of the Winnipeg Jets and current Lightning teammate, Nikita Kucherov have scored more.
The Lightning, at 10-6-1, are currently tied for second in the Atlantic Division with the Ottawa Senators. The Bolts continue their four-game road trip on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres at the KeyBank Center.