Steven Stamkos leaves game with lower-body injury

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos suffered a lower-body injury in the first period of the Bolts' road game at Detroit and did not return to the game.
The team announced on Wednesday morning that Stamkos will return to Tampa Bay for further evaluation. No other updates are available at this time.

While on the penalty kill near the midpoint of the opening period, Stamkos got up off the ice and skated gingerly off the ice. After being examined by Lightning head athletic trainer Tom Mulligan on the bench, Stamkos limped back to the locker room.

Stamkos didn't return to start the second period. Soon after, the team announced he would miss the rest of the game.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper said they won't know the extent of Stamkos' injury until he has tests Wednesday.
"You hate to lose any guy, but especially one of the best players in the world," Tampa Bay defenseman
Victor Hedman
said.
Prior to getting hurt, Stamkos netted his ninth goal of the season at 6:09 of the opening period to put Tampa Bay up 2-0.
Entering the game against Detroit, Stamkos ranked tied for third in the NHL for scoring and tied for seventh for goals. He came into Detroit with points in six of his previous eight games (3 goals, 6 assists).
Stamkos has yet to miss a game this season.
NHL.com contributed to this article.