Lightning D Mikhail Sergachev leaves game on stretcher

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev left Wednesday's game against the host New York Rangers on a stretcher because of a lower-body injury.

With 13:04 remaining in the second period and the Rangers holding a 1-0 lead, Sergachev and New York's Alexis Lafreniere were going for the puck along the left boards in Tampa Bay's defensive zone. The players collided, and Sergachev fell backward onto the ice and was clutching his left leg.

His teammates motioned for a stretcher and Sergachev was taken off the ice for further evaluation. It was announced shortly after that he would not be returning to the game.

Sergachev was making his return from a 17-game absence due to a leg injury that he sustained back in December.

Entering Wednesday, Sergachev had 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) in 33 games this season.