PITTSBURGH - In this, their most important game for the 2015-16 Tampa Bay Lightning, the team welcomed back arguably it’s most vital player.
Having not played since March 31 due to a blood clot issue, captain Steven Stamkos, the inspirational and on-ice leader of the Lightning, returned to the lineup for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final against the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday night at the CONSOL Energy Center.
Stamkos underwent surgery for a blood clot in his shoulder back on April 4. He has been regularly practising with the team in recent weeks, but was unable to take part in game action until receiving clearance.