NEW YORK — Mikhail Sergachev was ruled out for the rest of Wednesday's game against the New York Rangers after sustaining a lower-body injury in the 2nd period.
Sergachev had to be stretched off the ice after an awkward hit with Alexis Lafrenière. The Bolts were trailing 1-0 at the time.
On Thursday, the team shared that Sergachev underwent surgery to stabilize fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his left leg. He set to return to Tampa in the coming days for rehabilitation.
"A timetable for his return to the ice has not yet been established," the Tampa Bay Lightning wrote.
Warning: Injury is graphic in nature
This was Sergachev's first game back from an injury he sustained on Dec. 19 against St. Louis. It was a 17-game absence.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner has played 34 contests this season tallying two goals, 17 assists and a minus-15 +/- rating. Last year, he had a breakout campaign totaling 64 points, but questions now begin if Sergachev will be out for the remainder of the year.
On Thursday morning, Sergachev said what happened "feels unfair" and "feels terrible" after "all the games missed." His full statement is below:
"Oh man, why me? Why now? After all the games missed, coming back and getting injured again, feels unfair, feels terrible. Trying to stay calm and positive, but it’s impossible. After doing everything right I get this. The universe is unpredictable I guess, and has its own plans , but f**k the universe man, I know I’ll come back stronger and I know I’ll play better than before, but it’s tough right now, and it’s gonna be tough tomorrow. We all fight our own battles and this is mine. I’ll win, always do. Pain meds are good tho, if I was in the forest by myself I’d be dead, crazy innit?! Wanted to write how I feel here, don’t know why, but just wanted to let people that care about me know! I appreciate all of your messages. Thanks to the medical staff."
