Tampa Bay Lightning: Injuries Prevalent Halfway Through Season

Winger Ryan Callahan out for three weeks after a short season last year.

Lightning forward Ryan Callahan left the lineup for three weeks with an upper-body injury. The winger collided with Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson in the end boards on Dec. 14 that would cause him to leave the game. The Bolts won the game against the Coyotes, 4-1.

While the Lightning only lost two games while Callahan was out, 10 power play goals were given up. Callahan is a big factor for the penalty kill, and his injury resulted in a loss of a strong defensive forward.

Callahan returned to the lineup in a 2-1 shootout loss against the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 4. There have only been three power play goals scored against the Lightning since.

Callahan has had his fair share of injuries over the years. In his 12 year career, Callahan has never played a full 82 game season. Last season, the forward was placed on injured reserve multiple times, and only played 18 games.

The winger has 6 points in 34 games, with only one goal. Callahan joined the Lightning in 2014 for a “captain for captain” trade with the New York Rangers. The Rangers acquired Martin St.Louis while the Lightning acquired Callahan. The now assistant captain has 103 points in his Lightning career so far.

The Bolts Nation can only hope that Callahan is fully healthy again and ready to take on the second half of the season. Callahan’s ability to block shots and hit players twice his size will prove valuable for the Bolts.