Chris O’Meara/Associated Press
Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos will miss now not lower than the next 10 video games with a decrease physique damage, the team launched on Thursday.
The 31-one year-worn made 57 appearances right by the 2019-20 traditional season but became once restricted to a entire of two: 47 on the ice right by a playoff bustle that culminated in a Stanley Cup. He had gone by surgical operation for a core muscle damage closing February.
Earlier than the puck dropped for the abbreviated 2021 season, the Lightning launched they could maybe most likely be with out Nikita Kucherov till the postseason due to hip surgical operation. That assign more pressure on Tampa Bay’s captain to handbook the assault.
Via 38 video games, Stamkos has 17 targets and 17 assists.
The Lightning’s repeat yelp took a success with Kucherov’s damage and Kevin Shattenkirk’s departure in free agency. Smooth, loads of gamers are relief from closing one year’s squad to now not lower than retain the franchise in competition till the playoffs, when the Russian winger could presumably be relief on the ice.
Shedding Stamkos for one other prolonged absence would be a immense blow, though.
