"How is that possible" - NHL fans left shocked as Mikhail Sergachev makes miraculous recovery to return for Lightning playoff game

NHL fans were left in disbelief as Tampa Bay Lightning's Mikhail Sergachev made a miraculous recovery from a serious leg injury and joined his team for warmups ahead of Game 4. Tampa Bay Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that Sergachev was back on the ice just 80 days after fracturing both his tibia and fibula in his left leg.

"Mikhail Sergachev is on the ice for warmups ahead of Game 4 only 80 days after fracturing both the tibia and the fibula in his left leg," Gabby Shirley posted on X.

The swift recovery saw Sergachev being activated off long-term injured reserve, making his potential return in Game 4 against the Florida Panthers. This development came as a massive surprise, as Sergachev was initially ruled out for the entire first round of playoffs. However, with Tampa Bay trailing 3-0 in the series, Sergachev has returned at the right time.

Although he typically serves in a top-four capacity, there's an expectation that his minutes might be limited in his first game back since February 7.

The news of Mikhail Sergachev's return elicited shocked reactions from NHL fans.

"What? How is that possible!" one fan said.

"This is coming from a Cats fan. I get it’s an elimination game for y’all, but damn this is an extremely questionable decision if he does play. Hope he gets through it with no injury," a fan said.

"I’m gonna be shielding my eyes SO MUCH PLEASE BE SAFE SERGY," one fan said.

Here are some more reactions to Mikhail Sergachev's recovery:

"There’s no way I literally just let out a big gasp 😮 there’s no freaking way is that why coop wouldn’t say anything about who’s in the lineup besides Vasy," a fan said.

"This feels incredibly risky by Tampa," another fan said.

"Sergy is the toughest guy in the league. Period. End of discussion. Holy smokes," one fan said.

Tampa Bay lost 5-3 to Panthers' in Mikhail Sergachev's absence last game

The Florida Panthers secured a 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a 5-3 victory on Thursday in Mikhail Sergachev's absence. Sergei Bobrovsky's 26 saves bolstered the team's effort, while Matthew Tkachuk's two goals proved crucial.

Despite Tampa Bay's goals from Steven Stamkos, Tyler Motte, and Nicholas Paul, the Lightning struggled with their power play, going 0 for 4. Brandon Montour, Sam Reinhart, and Steven Lorentz also contributed goals for Florida.

Tkachuk's performance highlighted his impact, becoming the 12th U.S.-born player with 20 playoff goals in 50 or fewer games. Florida's penalty killing and Kyle Okposo's playoff return added to the game's significance.