The last thing the Tampa Bay Lightning needs is another major injury, but that is what it likely has as right wing Steve Downie apparently will be lost for a significant period of time with what might be a broken ankle. He will be evaluated Friday.

Downie, who plays on the team's top line with center Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis, and has a spot on the second power-play unit, was hit in the second period. he played two shifts in the third before leaving the bench and the game.

Downie, 23, has three goals and 15 points in 23 games and is an even plus-minus. St. Louis has called him one of the league's most underrated players in terms of vision on the ice, and he also is good with the puck, especially against the boards. He also provides the most sandpaper on the team and some protection for St. Louis and Stamkos.

Tampa Bay had finally gotten some good news with the return of Simon Gagne after the left wing missed 18 games with a neck injury. Captain Vinny Lecavalier has missed 11 games with a knuckle injury, so losing Downie means another top-six forward will be missed.