The Boston Bruins walked out of Tampa Bay with a statement win over the first place lightning, but they lost another key player to injury.
The team will likely finish most of its 12 remaining regular season games without center David Backes.
Backes suffered a nasty injury to his knee early in the first period as Lightning forward Yanni Gourde’s skate slashed Backes’ knee.
Luckily for Boston however, the injury to their veteran center shouldn’t sideline him for too long as he is expected to be back before the team’s playoff run.
There are still concerns about Backes’ knee swelling and becoming infected—he received multiple stitches—but there is not believed to be any structural damage.
Backes was apparently able to leave without the aid of crutches. Leaving the game by walking under his own power is a very positive sign.
Backes’ injury does not come at an ideal time for the Bruins who are already missing several key players, but it shouldn’t harm them in the long run.
