Tampa Bay Lightning fans can breathe a big sigh of relief at this news. On Tuesday, captain Steven Stamkos practiced on ice for the first time since November.
Steven Stamkos took to the ice to practice for the 1st time since his November injury
The Lightning captain has been out with a lateral meniscus tear since Nov. 15.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Back on Nov. 15, Stamkos got caught in a battle along the boards against the Red Wings and got up clutching his right leg. The forward has been out for the season since with a lateral meniscus tear.
Tampa Bay’s timetable scheduled Stamkos’ return to the ice at “four months or longer” and we’ve just crested the three-month mark. It’s a good sign, however, that Stamkos is practicing before the Lightning’s morning skate.
Media took in the practice on Tuesday, saying that Stamkos did skating and shooting drills with Tampa Bay assistant coach Brad Lauer. The captain also participated in one-timer drills, another positive sign that his health is coming back to him.
The Lightning don’t want to push Stamkos, but his addition to the lineup once healed would be a great boost for Tampa Bay. Currently, the Lightning are sitting six points out of the Wild Card as the seventh Atlantic Division team.
It’s been a rough year for Tampa Bay, who are 26-24-8 on the season and have missed Stamkos’ offensive production these last few months, as they’ve moved out of playoff contention.
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