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The Tampa Bay Lightning have a number of injuries on the bench right now. Some of them are preparing for their return to the ice, while others have a long and winding road ahead of them. Let’s take a look at the recent injuries plaguing the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Nov 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck while Boston Bruins right wing Jarome Iginla (12) defends during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

As most of you already know, Sami Salo made his return to the ice last night against the Phoenix Coyotes.

He went down on Monday against the Boston Bruins; the same game that took down Lightning center Steven Stamkos and defenseman Keith Aulie.

Another loss on the Lightning bench is defenseman Mark Barberio.

Barberio exited the game against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, missing the last 12 minutes of the Bolts’ 5-1 win over the best team in the league.

According to Damian Cristodero at the Tampa Bay Times, Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper said that both Barberio and Aulie, who are both out with Upper Body Injuries, may be ready to return before the conclusion of the Lightning’s current road trip through the West.

Tom Pyatt, who has been sidelined since October 8th against the Buffalo Sabres when he fractured his Collar Bone, has started practicing in a no-contact jersey; however, he is not expected to make his return to the team until after Thanksgiving.

Brian Lee, who has been out the entire season due to a knee injury, has started to do some off-ice rehabbing; however, there is currently no timetable for his return to the ice.

This brings us to Steven Stamkos. While there isn’t really any “new” information that would bring a smile to your face, the Lightning center has officially made it back to Tampa Bay. It has been reported that Stamkos is ready to begin rehabbing his injury; however, there is no timetable for a return to the team.

People are anticipating that Stamkos may be back in time for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi; however, this may be a very lofty goal at this point, but if there is anyone in the entirety of the National Hockey League that can actually pull it off, it is Steven Stamkos.

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