Lightning defenseman Gudas to miss four months

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Radko Gudas is expected to miss four months with a right knee injury that required surgery, the Lightning announced Tuesday.

The timeline means Gudas wouldn't return during the regular season and probably not until the second or third round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"He brings a lot of grit. Especially on our team, it's a big hole," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "You feel for him because he's really finding his own in the League, for this to happen to him, it's tough."

Gudas had two goals, five points and 34 penalty minutes in 31 games. His 115 hits lead the Lightning and are tied for 15th in the NHL.