Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos crashed into the post against the Boston Bruins Monday, resulting in a broken leg.

According to the Associated Press, Stamkos is set to receive surgery for his broken right tibia on Tuesday in Boston, rendering him out for an unknown amount of time.

"The medical staff in Boston, in consultation with our team physicians, has made the decision to surgically repair the injury," Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. "The procedure is expected to take place tomorrow morning. The biggest concern for me, and the rest of the Lightning, is that decisions are made in Steven's best long-term interest, and we feel this is the appropriate course of action."

Late in the second period, Stamkos and Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton rammed into the Lightning's net when Stamkos' left shin slammed into the post. He was unable to pick himself up.

"I was just trying to drive the net. He was too fast for me so he caught me, and I guess we both just went to the net and then I don't know what happened," Hamilton said, according to NHL. "He fell and hit the post pretty hard. It's unfortunate and kind of sad to see that happen."

Bruins captain Zdeno Chara also gave a few words, saying he felt bad for Stamkos and his injury. “It was very unfortunate. Nobody likes to see a player being injured and carried off on a stretcher. And we just hope he's OK," he said. "It goes for both teams and every hockey fan. When it comes down to really seeing somebody lying down the ice and being hurt, I think everybody feels for him. So we just hope that he'll be OK because obviously he's one of the best players in the League."

"It's tough to lose a guy like that," added Coach Jon Cooper. "We'll see what we're made of. You talk about a test, this is a test." The Lighting lost more than just Stamkos during Monday's game – defensemen Sami Solo and Keith Aulie also left the game with injuries.

After the Lightning fell to the Bruins 0-3, they are already looking to their game Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens, which will be a challenge without Stamkos.

Stamkos took to TwitterMonday evening to thank his family, friends and fans for all their support.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons