“You pray for the best, but obviously it’s not looking great.”
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman, Sergei Sergachev, suffered a severe knee injury during his first game back after recovering from a previous injury. The incident occurred midway through the second period when Sergachev attempted a reverse hit and his left knee twisted at an awkward angle.
Players from Both Teams Rally Around Sergachev
As Sergachev writhed in pain on the ice, players from both teams quickly left their benches to surround him. The sight was enough to make Lightning captain Steven Stamkos feel sick to his stomach. “To see something pretty traumatic like that happen is – from someone who’s been through that – it’s tough to watch,” Stamkos lamented in the locker room after the game.
A Message of Devastation and Perseverance
Sergachev took to Instagram to share his devastation but also expressed determination to come back stronger. In a late-night post, he wrote, “After all the games missed, coming back and getting injured again, feels unfair, feels terrible. But I know I’ll come back stronger and I know I’ll play better than before.”
Coach Cooper Remains Hopeful
While Lightning head coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the severity of the injury, he refrained from speculating on its long-term implications. “Let’s not think that way,” he urged, hoping for a positive outcome.
As Sergachev embarks on his journey to recovery, the hockey world holds its breath, hoping for a triumphant return from this devastating setback.