This week seems to be filled with injuries in the NHL. Wednesday’s game of the Tampa Bay Lightning versus the Rangers was abruptly halted when Lightning’s defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was stretchered off the ice after a major injury. Sergachev, who had only recently come back from a prior injury, unfortunately only earned 10:22 of total ice time before he had to be removed.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Mikhail Sergachev Ushered Off Ice
Mikhail Sergachev goes off the ice on a stretcher, not on the video but he did give a thumbs up as he left the ice pic.twitter.com/X5Z8GrfO8x
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) February 8, 2024
The Tampa Bay Lightning were up against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Arena. During the second period of the game, at the 27-minute mark, Mikhail Sergachev of the Lightning was struck with a reverse hit from the Ranger’s Alexis Lafrenière. Sergachev landed on his left leg and immediately clutched it, crying out in agony. The game was halted by officials, and the Lightning players were right at Sergachev’s side. In the time it took for medical assistance to arrive, Sergachev did not move from the ice.
Upon leaving the ice, Sergachev could be spotted wiping tears from his face. Pain and frustration were present for the unfortunate 25-year-old. Both teams were at his side as his stretcher left the ice, offering their support and comfort. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he left through the Zamboni tunnel, and Sergachev raised his right hand to them. The game ended in a 3-1 loss for the Lightning.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Sergachev’s Bad Luck
Sergachev’s Direct Comment
Inside a highly-emotional night at Madison Square Garden and how everything changed for the #GoBolts after defenseman Mikhail Sergachev’s injury.
Reporting from New York in this @TB_Times story: https://t.co/n6q78Yo4gm pic.twitter.com/RqWijdYXeA
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) February 8, 2024
“Oh man, why me? Why now? After all the games missed, coming back and getting injured again feels unfair, feels terrible.” Said Mikhail Sergachev on his personal Instagram. “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.”
What’s To Come
The future is unclear at this time for Mikhail Sergachev. Lightning Coach Jon Cooper was asked if the Lightning should be prepared for the loss of Sergachev for the remainder of the season, and he responded, “I don’t know. Let’s … let’s not think that way now.” Tampa Bay Times reports.
More will be reported as news of Mikhail Sergachev’s injury is updated.
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