Update: The early murmurs aren’t optimistic, but nothing’s official other than the fact that Ben Bishop isn’t expected to play on Thursday:
Reading between the lines, I wouldn't expect positive news to come from whatever update is provided, but we'll see
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) April 9, 2014
There’s some good early news for the Tampa Bay Lightning for Ben Bishop: he was able to (eventually) leave the ice after an awkward fall during Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The bad news is that such a fact doesn’t mean that he’ll avoid missing time with his injury.
Generally, it’s not a good sign when even your team’s account describes a fall as “awkward.”
Bishop helped off the ice by the trainers and taken into the dressing room. Anders Lindback will take over in net.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 8, 2014
The latest update is that it’s currently labeled an upper-body injury and that he won’t return.
Official word on Ben Bishop is that he suffered an upper body injury and will not return to the game. #TBLightning
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 9, 2014
Multiple observers believe that the 27-year-old may have injured his shoulder.
Again, though, it’s early. Things could be better or worse than they looked. PHT will keep an eye out for updates as Lightning fans keep their fingers crossed (because if this regular season has been any indication, there’s a significant drop-off from Bishop to Anders Lindback).