Mikhail Sergachev's return from injury was short-lived, as he appeared to sustain another significant one in his first game back.
The Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman - who was playing for the first time since Dec. 19 - came down awkwardly on his left leg after colliding with New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere in the second period Wednesday night.
Tampa def Mikhail Sergachev goes down after a reverse hit by Laf. #NYR pic.twitter.com/PTUpnB1ocS
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) February 8, 2024
Sergachev had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher, and the team later ruled him out for the rest of the game.
Sergachev being taken off the ice, @NYRangers crowd giving their respect. Just so gutted for him. Gives the crowd a thumbs up. pic.twitter.com/1VA37fvKUf
— Julie Stewart-Binks (@JSB_TV) February 8, 2024
The Lightning blue-liner missed 17 games with his previous injury. He played 10:22 before being forced to depart Wednesday.
Sergachev has been a key member of Tampa Bay's back end for years. He's a fixture in the top four when healthy, and the Bolts signed him to an eight-year, $68-million contract extension in the summer of 2022.
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