Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is dealing with an upper-body injury and won’t suit up against the New Jersey Devils Saturday.
It is the first game Stamkos has missed all season. The 26-year-old did not participate in his team’s practice Friday or Saturday’s morning skate. It’s unclear exactly when and how Stamkos suffered his injury.
Stamkos has been vocal in recent weeks, criticizing his team for poor performances.
“We just had too many passengers tonight,” Stamkos told reporters after Thursday’s 3-0 home loss to the Canadiens. “We’re at a point in the season where that just can’t happen. It’s unacceptable. I don’t care who we’re playing.”
In 77 games, Stamkos has 36 goals and 64 points.
Heading into Saturday’s action the Lightning were two points back of the Panthers for first place in the Atlantic Division.
