Tampa Bay defender improbably returns to action ahead of game 4

After missing all but 34 games of the regular season with a broken leg and less than three months after experiencing an injury that is nearly next to impossible to come back from in the manner that he did, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikail Sergachev will make his playoff debut today during his team's first round playoff matchup against the Florida Panthers.

Coming back from an injury of this magnitude isn't impossible; however, one has to wonder even if he was cleared by doctors, whether or not this is just a desperation move by a team with it's back against the wall.


Sergachev's insertion will certainly help a lineup that has looked anemic and flat at times and his veteran presence should supply the spark the Lightning need to get back into the series.


Depending on what the result is this afternoon it may have been wise for him to sit however as a competitor and one of Tampa's better players on the back end, maybe he provides the difference they need to win today.