Lightning’s Max Crozier to return after 26-game absence
Some reinforcements for the Tampa Bay Lightning heading into the final game of their regular season.
When speaking to the media, defenseman Max Crozier revealed that he will be in the lineup on Wednesday night when the Lightning hosts the New York Rangers, marking his first appearance after missing the past 26 games.
Defenseman Max Crozier tells me he will be returning to the @TBLightning lineup tonight following a 26-game absence due to an upper-body injury. Another reinforcement for the #GoBolts in time for playoffs.
Crozier has been out of action since Tampa’s Stadium Series game against the Boston Bruins back on Feb. 1. He played a little under his average ice time in the outdoor game, but it was revealed a few weeks later that he was suffering from a core muscle injury, which required surgery. The initial prognosis was that the right-handed rearguard was going to be out 10 weeks to recover. However, Crozier’s rehabilitation has allowed him to come back two weeks ahead of schedule.
The 25-year-old has appeared in just 34 games so far this season for Tampa, scoring his first NHL goal on Dec. 15 against the rival Florida Panthers. Crozier has amassed nine assists and 10 points this year, with a plus/minus of +7 while averaging 16 minutes of ice time.
In 52 career games in the NHL, Crozier has totaled 12 points.
Crozier’s return gives the Lightning a little more depth on the blue line heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a blue line that has been decimated by injuries, with players like Ryan McDonagh and captain Victor Hedman missing significant time this year. Hedman still hasn’t played since March, having been away from the team on a leave of absence for the past few weeks.
Crozier rejoins the Bolts as they gear up for a first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. With the Habs losing to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, Tampa will have home-ice advantage for the best-of-seven series.