By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Tampa Bay Lightning's season flashed before its eyes Saturday night when star center Steven Stamkos, the league's leading goal scorer, was sent flying into the boards feet first by a hit from Panthers defenseman Mike Weaver. Stamkos, hit kind of from behind, crashed into the boards hard and needed a few moments with trainer Tommy Mulligan to regain himself. Stamkos on Monday said, "I was lucky I didn't break my ankle or something."
Stamkos, 21, did not practice Monday and said he would not play in the team's golf outing Monday afternoon in Southwest Florida. He said he will play in Wednesday's game with the Coyotes. He also had this to say about the hit from Weaver:
"He kind of hit me from behind the shoulder. It wasn't the cleanest hit but I don't think it was the dirtiest. I don't think he intended to hit me like that. I was turning so I was kind of off-balance a little bit and went in pretty hard. Nothing to complain about. He got a penalty, so ... "
Asked about Monday's outing, Stamkos said, "I won't be golfing."
And about Wednesday? "I will be playing."