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First injuries, now stomach flu ruining Tampa Bay’s roster

Tampa Bay Lightning v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 26: Nate Thompson #44 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 26, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. The Lightning defeated the Devils 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The Lightning were already dealing with some nasty injuries to their lineup. Mattias Ohlund, Vincent Lecavalier, and Victor Hedman are all banged up. Making matters worse, a wicked stomach flu bug is running rampant through the locker room.

Erik Erlendsson of The Tampa Tribune shares the gory details of health turned upside down.

Nate Thompson and Brendan Mikkelson missed the morning skate with a stomach virus and were scratched against the Canadiens. Tim Wallace, who made his Tampa Bay debut Saturday in Pittsburgh, also was sidelined as the coaching staff scrambled to find 18 healthy skaters.

Erlendsson also says Teddy Purcell was hit by the flu but played through it and even assisted on Steve Stamkos’ 44th goal of the season. Hopefully he didn’t put a little extra sauce on that pass.

Things are so out of control that the Lightning had to cancel a media event thanks to the outbreak. You have to think that puking your guts out doesn’t make for much of a photo op. Illness always goes through a locker room like crazy but seeing three guys knocked out of action is impressive for all the wrong reasons.