There is nothing worse than seeing an athlete get hurt during a game. Watching Tampa Bay Lightning centre Steven Stamkos unable to get up on his feet was horrific. Stamkos is one of the best in the NHL and means so much to the Tampa Bay Lightning team. The two-time All Star suffered a broken tibia in a game against the Boston Bruins. He was backchecking on a play when he got tied up with Bruins defenceman Dougie Hamilton. He laid on the ice and was unable to get back on his feet after many attempts to get up. A stretcher was brought onto the ice and Stamkos was carried off to loud applause from the crowd in Boston.
Two weeks after breaking his leg, Stamkos is already off crutches and walking around. After having surgery the day after the incident, he has made a very fast recovery. His recovery period was originally expected to take three to six months, but many are hopeful it is closer to three months than six.
Talking about his recovery, he said, “To be able to do what I’m doing now and almost comeback to a normal life, being able to just move around on your own, I’m definitely happy with that. I’d say I’ve overcome the initial shock and frustration and disappointment, and now it’s what do I have to do to get back as quick as possible. But obviously as smart as possible.”
He is still expecting to play again this season and still hopes to play in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
