Off the Dot: Out of Sync, Out of Time; Tampa Bay Lightning Lose Rough Game in Ottawa

Off the Dot: Out of Sync, Out of Time; Tampa Bay Lightning Lose Rough Game in Ottawa by James Blevins

Jan 3, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) guards his net against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Tampa Bay Lightning won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

There is finally some good news in Tampa tonight! According to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop has passed the concussion test and is feeling much better now.

Bishop said he felt weak after the hit, but feels much better now, no dizziness but has a slight headache, said he passed concussion test — Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) January 31, 2014

As most of you already know, the entire Bolts Nation gasped in horror in the opening minutes of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 5-3 loss against the Ottawa Senators tonight at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa when Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender didn’t get up after an incident on the play.

In case you’re not up to speed already, Bishop came out of the crease to play the puck. Somewhere in the mix, Bishop lost his footing and ended up face down on the ice. At the same time, Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov was skating into the zone in search of the puck.

Unfortunately, he was unable to stop in time to prevent colliding with Bishop. He attempted to hop over him; however, he caught Bishop in the head, first with his knee and then with his skate, as he was going over him. Bishop remained on the ice for more than a few minutes not moving. After being evaluated by Lightning Head Athletic Trainer Tom Mulligan, he was helped to his feet by Mulligan and defenseman Eric Brewer.

After being helped off the ice by Brewer, he was down the tunnel, not to return to the game.

Thankfully, it seems as if this was more of a precaution than anything as Bishop does not seem to have any kind of long term injury.

Lightning Beat Reporter Missy Zielinski tweeted out a comment from Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper following the game.

Cooper on Bishop: “I think Ben’s going to be okay. I checked on him after the first, he said he was feeling pretty good…” (1 of 2) — Missy Zielinski (@Missy_Zielinski) January 31, 2014

Cooper cont’d: “…I think it was more of a precaution that we kept him out.” (2 of 2) — Missy Zielinski (@Missy_Zielinski) January 31, 2014

So, the Bolts Nation can finally breathe a sigh of relief as it seems that Bishop’s injury is not as serious as we once thought.

It is unknown at this point if he will return to the net when the Lightning take on the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information on Bishop’s status.

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