Tampa Bay Lightning confirm injury to Steven Stamkos

The situation has most definitely gone from bad to worse for the Tampa Bay Lightning today.

As we reported earlier, Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos had to be removed from the ice by means of a stretched during the second period against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden in today’s afternoon matinee.

The Tampa Bay Lightning has officially confirmed that Stamkos has indeed broken his tibia and is going to be out indefinitely. The Bolts posted this short, but sad post to their Twitter site earlier.

In case you missed it earlier today, the scene is Boston was rather dire. The Lightning had held the Bruins to a scoreless game through one and a half periods of play, when tragedy struck.

Stamkos collided with Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and crashed down to the ice. He continued to slide towards the net where he eventually rammed right into the bar. You know, the ridiculously hard metal bar that makes a giant clanging noise when a puck deflects off of it.

He tried to make it off the ice under his own volition, but that was just not meant to be. After making it to his feet for a second, he immediately went back down to the ice and began pounding his fist on the ice.

After being evaluated by Lightning head athletic trainer Tom Mulligan, his injuries were deemed severe enough for him to be transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and x-rays.

Here is another look at the collision.

Unfortunately, the worst possible scenario has played out.

For the time being, it is being reported that Lightning center Valtteri Filppula will be stepping into Stamkos’ spot on the top line. It is unknown if or who the Bolts plan to call up to fill the spot at second line center.

It is unknown at this time if the break is going to require surgery to repair, but one thing is for sure; it will be a while until the Lightning will see Steven Stamkos on the ice again.

We here at FanSided will keep you up to date on any updates to the condition of Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos.

What do you think the Bolts are going to have to do to recover from the loss of their hottest goal scorer? Who do you think will be able to fill his shoes in the meantime? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.