Lightning's Steven Stamkos: Knee surgery a success, but out at least four months

Stamkos (knee) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair the lateral meniscus in his right knee Thursday.

Analysis:

The knee has two menisci that sit on the top of the tibia and act as shock absorbers. The lateral one is on the outside of the knee and is typically less likely to be injured than the medial one because it doesn't attach to the lateral ligament. Surgery is indicated when meniscus tears are severe and the aim is to preserve as much of the meniscus as possible. Stamkos will undergo a rigorous rehab program and is conservatively expected to miss at least four months, which might get him back on the ice to start the postseason.