"F--- The Universe!": Sergachev Gets Emotional After Devastating Injury

 In his first game back Wednesday night from a 17-game absence for a foot injury, Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Mikhail Sergachev suffered another long-term injury, that will keep him out indefinitely after undergoing surgery on fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his left leg. He couldn't hide his emotions in an Instagram post:

Raw, honest Instagram post from Mikhail Sergachev after injury last night https://t.co/za0qBCCNIC pic.twitter.com/r6TCmunvgx

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 8, 2024

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 fuck 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. 

Despite all the bitter emotions, his "F**k the universe, I know I'll come back stronger" shows the positivity that drives him. 

The 25-year-old two-time Stanley Cup winner had to be stretchered off the ice after collapsing when his left leg appeared to bend awkwardly while he was attempting to deliver a hit on Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière. 

Hope Sergy’s ok 🙏

Sergachev left the ice on a stretcher after this awkward play. pic.twitter.com/7K4GIu6jBu

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 8, 2024

The pain could be seen on his face after the injury, and it came out in spades in his IG post.

“You feel sick to your stomach," Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos said. "Obviously, Sergey has put in a lot of time and effort to come back from his original injury, and to see something pretty traumatic like that happen from someone who has been through that, it's tough. Tough to watch.”

Sergachev was the ninth overall pick by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016 NHL Draft, and has two goals and 17 assists in 34 games this season with the Bolts. He had a career year last season with 54 assists and 64 points while logging a massive 23:49 of ice time.

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports