Tampa’s Point out long term

It is being reported that Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brayden Point will be out for a sustained period after picking up an injury in his side’s 5-3 loss against the New Jersey Red Devils.

The news comes as a crushing blow to both Point and his team, with the center having been in impressive form so far this season.

Following a hard wall crash, Point was seen to grab his upper body around his left shoulder and collar bone, signifying that he was in some discomfort. Despite finishing the match, Point was immediately the subject of medical attention.

 

Big miss for Lightning

With no official return date, Point’s absence will be regarded as a big loss all the Lightning.

The player, who signed an eight-year extension to his current deal in July until 2029-2030, worth $76 million has been in impressive form this season so far.

In 16 games, the center has seven goals and six assists to his name, while his record for the Lightning across five seasons includes 146 goals and 177 assists (329 points) over 367 games. He has also played a key role in the Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup Championship wins.

It is also still unclear about the exact details of the injury, in terms of whether there is a fracture, though the impact and the player’s initial reaction would suggest that it is quite serious. A penalty was awarded for the incident, which Point duly stepped up to take, though, clearly his injury affected his aim as he crashed the puck against the crossbar.

 

Tough fixture schedule ahead

Despite sitting third in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division, there are no easy games and the Lightning have a challenging roster over the next few weeks as we head into the Christmas period.

Face-offs against the Flyers, Wild and Kraken make for some interesting viewing and the absence of Point will be telling.

They will need their heavy hitters to step up and will be hoping the likes of Steven Stamkos and Mathieu Joseph can make up for the loss of Point in key areas.