In what might turn out to be the biggest addition of the NHL Trade Deadline, Steven Stamkos will return to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s lineup tomorrow when they play the Buffalo Sabres. Stamkos met with Lightning doctors today, who have cleared his return to action.
Stamkos made the announcement via his twitter account:
Just left the doctors office. Got the green light. See you tomorrow Bolts fans. Excited to be back !!
— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) March 5, 2014
The 24-year-old Stamkos was injured when he collided with the Tampa Bay Lightning goal post in a game on November 11th vs the Boston Bruins. He underwent surgery the next day and had a titanium rod inserted into his tibia. Stamkos had 14 goals and 23 points in 17 games this season prior to the injury. He has missed 45 regular season games so far.
The injury also caused Stamkos to miss out on the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and he was replaced by teammate Martin St. Louis on Canada’s roster.
Tampa will be happy to get their franchise player back for the stretch drive. They are currently sitting comfortably in a playoff spot, in third place in the Atlantic Division with 73 points. They are just two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for second place, and home ice advantage in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The Lightning also have a game in hand on the Canadiens, however the Canadiens do currently own the tiebreaker between the clubs with more regulation and overtime wins (ROW) by a count of 30 to 28.
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