Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev left Wednesday’s game against the host New York Rangers on a stretcher because of a lower-body injury.
With 13:04 remaining in the second period and the Rangers holding a 1-0 lead, Sergachev and New York’s Alexis Lafreniere were going for the puck along the left boards in Tampa Bay’s defensive zone. The players collided, and Sergachev fell backward onto the ice and was clutching his left leg.
His teammates motioned for a stretcher and Sergachev was taken off the ice for further evaluation. It was announced shortly after that he would not be returning to the game.
“It was terrible. I feel awful for him. It clearly affected our team for a little bit. Those ones are tough,” Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said.
Sergachev was making his return from a 17-game absence due to a leg injury that he sustained back in December.
“It’s super tough. We’ve been through it with a few other guys in the past,” Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman said. “Sergi’s first game back after missing an extended period of time, to see him in such pain, it’s hard. You feel for him and you pray for the best.”
Sergachev did not have any points on Wednesday, leaving him with 19 (two goals, 17 assists) in 34 games this season.
The Rangers went on to a 3-1 victory.
–Field Level Media
