Try to keep the tears to a minimum as you digest the following:
$28.35 million. That’s how much of the Lightning’s salary cap is injured right now
Actually, don’t hold back. We’re right there with you.
Sure, the Lightning won Tuesday night but one win does not mask/erase the issues this team has had all season. The biggest issue has been their health. Check out the players who are currently on the shelf. It’s been a revolving door of injuries all season.
(h/t to our saima1226 for doing the salary cap math for us!)
Steven Stamkos
Date of injury: Nov. 15
Type of injury: Lateral meniscus tear
What happened: Stamkos got injured in the first period after fighting for the loose puck. He limped off the ice and didn’t return.
Status: Long-term injury reserve. Tweeting at former teammates.
Projected return: mid-March
Ryan Callahan
Last game played: Nov. 27
Type of injury: Lower-body injury
What happened: According to the Tampa Bay Times, Callahan’s surgically repaired hip, which occurred in June, has been bothering him. He’s been out ever since Nov. 27.
Status: Grim, despite the “official” day-to-day designation. Callahan’s status has fluctuated from day to day, then no-contact jersey at practice, then regular jersey at practice — to not practicing at all.
Nikita Kucherov
Date of injury: Dec. 13
Type of injury: Lower-body injury
What happened: Kucherov left Dec. 13 before the end of practice. He joined the team on their road trip out West and took part in the optional morning skate the following day, but he didn’t play that night and hasn’t played since.
Status: Disconcerting. Kucherov was placed on injured reserve and was eligible to come back for Tuesday’s game, but didn’t.
Ondrej Palat
Date of injury: Dec. 14
Type of injury: Undisclosed
What happened: After playing about nine minutes of the game Dec. 14, Palat left the game and never returned.
Status: Hard to make any sort of distinction without any news. However he did practice in a no-contact jersey.
Ben Bishop
Date of injury: Dec. 20
Type of injury: Lower-body injury
What happened: The shot/save looked harmless enough but Bishop left Tuesday’s game in the first and did not return.
Status: Evaluated Wednesday and team announced he’s out three to four weeks. Let the freakout ensue.
