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Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos to undergo surgery to repair broken tibia

By Tasha St. Pierre

Nov 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) lays on the ice while being attended to by the medical staff during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) lays on the ice while being attended to by the medical staff during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) lays on the ice while being attended to by the medical staff during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) lays on the ice while being attended to by the medical staff during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

The bad news just keeps on coming for the Tampa Bay Lightning today.

As we reported earlier, Lightning center Steven Stamkos suffered a broken tibia after a collision with Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton in front of the Lightning net.

Now, the Tampa Bay Lightning has officially confirmed that not only has Stamkos broken his tibia, which bears a majority of the weight for your leg, but the break will require surgery to repair said break.

Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced the bad news via the Lightning’s official website.

"“At this point Steven will be out indefinitely,” Yzerman said. “The medical staff in Boston, in consultation with our team physicians, has made the decision to surgically repair the injury. The procedure is expected to take place tomorrow morning. The biggest concern for me, and the rest of the Lightning, is that decisions are made in Steven’s best long-term interest, and we feel this is the appropriate course of action.”"

This is definitely a major hit for the Lightning. Stamkos not only leads the team, but also the league in both points and goals with 23 and 14 respectively.

At this point, there is no timeframe for Stamkos’ return. Obviously, this is something that cannot be accurately determined until the break has been repaired.

The Lightning will head to Montreal tomorrow to face off with the Montreal Canadiens in the back half of their back-to-back.

It has been reported that Valtteri Filppula will be stepping into Stamkos’ spot on the first line while Stamkos remains injured. It is unknown at this point, when/if the Lightning plan to make a call up to fill the hole at second line center.

Who do you think should fill the hole at second line center? What do you think the Bolts are going to have to do to get back on track tomorrow in Montreal? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.

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