Injuries are never a valid excuse for a team to lose a playoff series. Chances are the team they are playing against is just as beat up as they are. That being said, hoo boy were the Tampa Bay Lightning playing through some pretty bad things.
In his post-season address to the media, general manager Julien BriseBois detailed some of the ailments that the players were going through at the end of the season. Some we knew about, others were a surprise, and at least one was shocking in its seriousness.
Brandon Hagel – concussion
This is the least surprising of all of the injuries. From the moment Hagel managed to get to his skates following the illegal hit from Aaron Ekblad it was obvious that the winger was dazed. Once it was announced that he wouldn’t be available for Game 5, it was pretty obvious that he was dealing with a concussion. It’s the first documented concussion for Hagel in his NHL career, and the fact that he was able to partake in the exit interview process was a good sign that the effects weren’t too debilitating.
Victor Hedman – broken foot
The Big Swede was slowed by a broken foot in Game 4 of the series against Florida, but still managed two assists and 26:37 in Game 5. While it will delay his off season workout regime, Hedman should be back and ready to go for training camp.
Nikita Kucherov – injured left hand
Injured back on February 25, Kucherov put up 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 25 games with an injured hand. Perhaps some of the errant passing we saw down the stretch and in the playoffs was a result. Kucherov would never use it as an excuse, but he definitely didn’t have the precision with the puck that we’re used to seeing.
Nick Paul – tear in left wrist
Honestly, this was the most surprising injury as Nick Paul was one of the best players on the ice for the Lightning. Kudos to him for playing through the discomfort and still performing.
Yanni Gourde – broken finger
The Yanni Gourde we saw in the playoffs is not the one we were used to seeing in a Lightning uniform. He just didn’t seem as engaged as he normally was, and now we kind of know why as he played most of the series trying to adjust to a broken finger.
Anthony Cirelli – Grade 2 MCL strain in his right knee
Another one of the Game 1 casualties, we now know why Cirelli wasn’t practicing during the off days or at the morning skates. A strain is better than a tear, so the Lightning’s number two center should be ready to go for training camp.
Like Glendening – AC joint separation in right shoulder
Props go out to Glendening for even suiting up in the playoffs after suffering the injury on April 9. It’s the second season in a row he hasn’t been 100% for the postseason as he was dealing with a dislocated shoulder and labral tear last April.
Erik Cernak – Knee contusion
Erik Erlendsson reported that Cernak is waiting medical clearance from the injury, which he suffered in Game 1, before deciding on if he would play in the World Championships which get underway next week.
Oliver Bjorkstrand – compartment syndrome
It’s never good when you have to look up an injury to see exactly what it is. The Cleveland Clinic describes compartment syndrome as,
“Compartment syndrome happens when there’s too much pressure around your muscles. The pressure restricts (reduces) the flow of blood, fresh oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and nerves. Compartment syndrome is extremely painful.”
That, that doesn’t sound good at all.
Bjorkstrand was injured in the April 11th game against Detroit. Later that night he developed swelling in his left leg severe enough that Dr. Sean Lannon, an orthopedic surgeon, visited Bjorkstrand at his house at around 2:00 AM. Based on what the doctor saw, Bjorkstrand was taken to the emergency room for immediate surgery.
Based on the circumstances, and with the heavy cravat that we are not medical experts, it seems like this was a case of acute compartment syndrome brought on directly by the injury suffered by Bjorkstrand in the game. Recovery from the surgery, according to the website we visited, should take about a month, and the 30-year-old should be ready for training camp with no lingering side effects.
