Sat Apr 5 14:10:19 2008

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Lecavalier to undergo shoulder surgery

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Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier will undergo surgery on his injured right shoulder, the club announced on Saturday.

Lecavalier returned to Tampa on Friday to undergo further diagnostic testing by team physician Dr. Ira Guttentag. The evaluation revealed that Lecavalier suffered damage to the Glenoid Labrum of the right shoulder and will require surgery.

He is expected to make a full recovery in 12-15 weeks following the procedure, which will be scheduled in the near future.

"While I'm disappointed to be facing surgery at this time, I'm looking forward to working hard during the summer to be ready for training camp in September," Lecavalier said. "I'm lucky to have good people like Lightning athletic trainers Jason Serbus and Tom Mulligan around to help me through the process, and I'm confident I'm in good hands."

Lecavalier left in the third period of Thursday's 4-1 loss to Washington with the injury. He was on the receiving end of an open-ice hit by Matt Cooke. The Tampa Bay alternate captain did not have possession of the puck when he was checked and no penalty was called on the play.

Lecavalier leads the Lightning in goals (40) and points (92).