In today’s Lightning-Bruins game at TD Garden, Tampa star center Steven Stamkos suffered a broken tibia. The injury occurred at 7:11 of the second period when he lost his edge accidentally colliding into the Boston net. He was in pain lying on the ice until being stretchered off.

It’s an unfortunate injury for the NHL to one of the game’s brightest superstars. Only 23, Stamkos was tied with Sidney Crosby for the league lead in scoring with 23 points (14-9-23). He entered the Veteran’s Day matinee on fire with 13 points in his last eight games including eight goals. That featured a six-game goal streak with seven during that span.

The Lightning have vaulted to the top of the Atlantic leading the division with a 12-5-0 record for 24 points. Following today’s crushing loss, that’s one ahead of the Bruins and tops in the Eastern Conference. The Bolts will now be forced to play without their best player. Stamkos was emerging as an early Hart contender. It’s a shame he’ll miss significant time. A big disappointment for the NHL and hockey fans.