Lightning's Steven Stamkos Out Long-Term

Shane Seney Friday, April 16, 2021 Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are going to be without superstar Steven Stamkos for at the next seven games as the forward was put on Long-Term Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury. Tampa made the transaction retroactive to April 9th.

With the LTIR retroactive to April 9, Steven Stamkos - who already missed three games - not eligible to return until May 5. https://t.co/LRG04WqpVt
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) April 16, 2021

It's been a banged up seasons for Stamkos who can't seem to stay healthy for a longer period of time. He's missed the past three games and now 'Stammer' isn't eligible to return until May 5th. Tampa has 13 games left on their schedule so it appears he'll have a game or two to find his groove before playoff time.

In 38 appearances this season Stamkos has recorded 34 points as the defending champs are gearing up for another long playoff run. Speaking of LTIR, the team expects Nikita Kucherov back for game one of the playoffs. For now, him and Stamkos will enjoy the action from the press box.

Photo credit: © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports