Taylor's surgery ... and apology

There is so much that is interesting about what Tim Taylor is about to go through, it is difficult to know where to start; so let's get the basic information out of the way first. The Lightning captain will have surgery on his degenerative right hip Thursday at Tampa's University Community Hospital. Orthopedic surgeon Steve Raterman will perform the operation that will shave down Taylor's right femur and insert it into a metal hip socket to ease movement.

If all goes well, and after three weeks when he will need help walking, Taylor could, perhaps, be back in the lineup by February. He will remain captain and rehab with the team. GM Jay Feaster said there is a spot waiting for Taylor if he can come back.

If he can't make it back, Taylor, 38, ends a career that includes two Stanley Cups (with Tampa Bay in 2004 and with the Red Wings in 1997) and 12 NHL seasons. But Taylor would rather not go out that way, and he also wants to make it up to Lightning fans, who he said might believe he never "gave enough'' last season.

"If I could apologize it would be to the fans,'' Taylor said. "I hope I can regain their trust and be the leader I was chosen to be.''

Taylor had a tough 2006-07. He played 71 games but averaged just 7:55 of ice time and needed two cortisone shots in his hip to get through the season. He played better in the playoffs after the second shot but it was apparent his strength and stride were limited.

Taylor hoped to rehab the injury back into shape during the summer. But the pain became so bad he said he had to stop running and could not sleep without taking an anti-inflammatory drug. He said NHL Productions will record his surgery and rehab.

"I'm not nervous about my career. This is my last year no matter what,'' Taylor said. "I'm not excited about it either. I've watched (the surgery) on line. To see a guy cut open that wide, and see the drilling and sanding ... but it's closure.''

Readers of this blog know where I stand on Taylor. He had a bad season on the ice, but I watched him all year behind the scenes help bring together and disparate locker room that by the end of the season was as tight as they come. That to me is leadership.

I hope he Taylor can get back on the ice. How can you not root for a guy who finishes a conversation with this: "I'd like to play one more game where I feel like an NHL player.''

 

Comments

[Hawkeye]

Sending prayers out to Timmy for his safe surgery and recovery. Good luck Captain!

Will see you in February on the ice.

[Joe]

Through last year and, in fact, through his entire career in the NHL, Mr. Taylor has nothing for which to apologize. May he have a very successful operation and a speedy recovery.

[Debbie]

I agree completely. He has absolutely nothing to be sorry for.

My prayers as well are with him.

I cant wait to see him in February! Does anyone know when in February? I mean, early or late? Wouldnt it be great if he could come back around his birthday?

[keith]

Get well soon skipper. Hope to see you in February.

[Logan1275]

Mr. Taylor it is to you that fair weather fans owe an apology. Leadership does not always occur in the public eye, from the day you and Andreychuck arrived to this team, a change occured.

I for one say TY for what you have done on the ice and off, without you I can say there would not be a massive banner hanging in our rafters.

As someone who has had knee surgery, take the recovery time you need and come back when you are ready, you place in the hearts of Bolts fans will not falter for many years.

[Cleo]

Good Luck Tim! I'm looking forward to seeing you back on the ice in February, but if it doesn't work out that way, then all we can say is thank you for all you have done for this team, and for hockey in Tampa. Regardless of how you leave the game, one thing is for sure, it will be as a warrior.

[Nan]

Tim, I can't believe that you think that you let the fans down. Far from it! You do not need to apologize and I for one never lost my faith in you! You are one class act, Captain! May you have a speedy recovery. I am looking forward to seeing you on the ice again!

[Bill]

Come on people, let go of something to make things better. Let tradition be your rudder and not your anchor. The captain needs to be fully engaged at all levels within the Team... and obviously this cannot happen with Tim this year. Admittedly, this IS his last season, so let's wish him a godspeed recovery, and a happy retirement. BUT, let's look toward building the infrastructure with guys who are ready to step up and move this team forward!

GO BOLTS!!!!

[Bill]

P.S. ...and as others have appropriately stated... there is absolutely NO apology needed. Thanks for everything you have done and all you will likely do for this organization in the future!

[bolts canucks fan]

Mr. Taylor, do what you have to do, recover from the surgery, and just your best to be a leader to this team. That is all the fans really ask of you right now. With that in mind, there's no need to apologize. 06 is done and now we have a new season, new owners, and a somewhat new look. I do recommend grooming another C for 08. My vote goes to Vinnie. He is the best player on this team and one of the best centers in the NHL. He has been a captain before, which seams does seem eons ago. I think he can lead this team to another Cup run. Anyways, safe recovery and looking forward to your return in February.

[Dave Jarvis]

Captain, remember one thing will we walk together forever. You said that to the team after we won the Cup. This community will always walk with you forever because of what you gave for that season. You played the game with heart, determiantion and class. Thank you Tool Man

[JB]

Amazing how different two players can be. In one corner you have greedy russians like Arthykun-whatever biting the hand that offered to feed him and offering nothing even resembling an apology, and then you have a proven, cup-winning, gritty 12 year vet apologizing for an injury far beyond his control. I guess we should just be thankful there are still Tim Taylor's out there. No apology needed. Best wishes on your recovery.

[Tim A]

Dr. Raterman is great Orthopedic Surgeon. If Tim can come back from this surgery I wish him the best and I will especially give him a great applause for it because he will have definitely deserved it. A Birmingham hip replacement/resurfacing is no simple proceedure. I know this because I had one myself.

[Downtown Wine guy]

If anyone can come back to finish the year, TT can. Talk about a fire for the game.

Tim, all the best to you, hope to see you at Glitz n Sticks. Somehow, I have a feeling you'll figure out a way to be there.

[Sohbet]

thank you