Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier will miss the remaining five games of the season after the team announced the four-time All-Star will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his wrist Friday in Philadelphia.
The surgery is the same procedure Lecavalier was scheduled to undergo last summer before he injured his shoulder in the next to last game of the season in Washington.
"I'm sure this is something that has managed throughout the year,'' Lightning interim coach Rick Tocchet said. "Maybe mentally [it had an affect on his game] but it's hard for me to say it has because he never came to me and used it as an excuse because he's that type of player. But I'm sure it must have bothered him somewhat, mentally and physically.''
The procedure will be performed by A. Lee Osterman on Friday at the Philadelphia Hand Center. Osterman previously operated on Lecavalier's left wrist to repair damage to the triangular fibro cartilage during the summer of 2007 with a successful result.
"Obviously, it is disappointing that Vinny will not be able to finish the season, but we feel that it is in both his and the team's best interest to have the wrist operated on now," Lawton said. "Vinny has been battling this injury all season and I really can't say enough about his ability to play through the pain and discomfort."
Lecavalier's season ends one goal short of 30. But by getting the procedure done now, it ensures that he will have a full summer to train and be ready for the 2009-10 season.
Lecavalier was not with the team at practice on Thursday and not immediately available for comment.
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