Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is making his 2016 NHL playoffs debut on Thursday, just in time to save his team's season.
Steven Stamkos back in Lightning lineup for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final
Stamkos has missed two months after vascular surgery.
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday evening, half an hour before a decisive Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final in Pittsburgh, Stamkos took warmups and line rushes for the Lightning, all but confirming his return to the lineup.
The Captain taking the ice. #PITvsTBL https://t.co/D9TVjm5Gt1
— #GoBolts (@TBLightning) May 26, 2016
A few minutes before puck drop, the Lightning made it official:
Tonight’s lineups, starters in bold.
— #GoBolts (@TBLightning) May 27, 2016
Steven Stamkos is back. #PITvsTBL pic.twitter.com/TV03DSdTzI
Stamkos hasn’t played since March 31 after doctors determined he needed vascular surgery to remove a blood clot near his collarbone. The estimated recovery time was anywhere from one to three months.
Stamkos' surgeon, Karl Illig, told the Times, his risks are "very, very low," decision up to Stamkos. "I think he's doing the right thing."
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) May 26, 2016
Illig said he cleared Stamkos a while ago, issue was blood thinners. Stamkos received several opinions and made decision to return tonight
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) May 26, 2016
That Stamkos is playing is somewhat of a surprise considering the Tampa Bay Times reported on Thursday afternoon that Stamkos was unlikely to play, with the captain himself offering no update.
It's the first time Steven Stamkos arrived that early for a game in the playoffs. Chances are very high he'll play tonight. #lightning
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 26, 2016
Either something changed in the following hours or Stamkos was being cryptic with that statement, because he'll be suiting up to try and push the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season on Thursday night.
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