Things have gone from bad to worse as the Tampa Bay Lightning announce alternate captain Ryan Callahan is out indefinitely after sustaining an Upper-Body Injury on Tuesday night.
The Tampa Bay Lightning can’t seem to win for losing when it comes to injuries this season. On the night the Lightning finally gets forward Ondrej Palat back in the lineup after missing 26 games with a Lower-Body Injury, the Lightning lost a member of their veteran leadership.
Last night, after an altercation with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo, Lightning alternate captain Ryan Callahan was forced to leave the game with an Upper-Body Injury. The Bolts Nation waited on the edge of their seats to find out whether or not Cally would be able to return to the ice, but the news was far from good.
Around the halfway point in the second period, it would be officially announced Ryan Callahan would not be returning to the ice after sustaining an Upper-Body Injury. Considering Callahan has a history of shoulder injuries, this was definitely not a good sign for the 33-year-old forward.
Tampa Bay Lightning
This morning, there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel as Ryan Callahan was at the rink this morning with the team and seemed to be feeling better, but he would not be traveling with the team as they embark on their two-game road trip. Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper said Callahan would need further evaluation before he would be ready to make his return to the lineup.
Apparently, things have gone from bad to worse after the “further evaluation” Cooper spoke of after practice this morning. According to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times, Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced Ryan Callahan is out indefinitely with an Upper-Body Injury.
On the bright side, Yzerman says the Bolts do expect Callahan back in the lineup, but at this particular point and time, there is no official timeline. While it is reassuring Yzerman believes Callahan will be able to return this season, it’s the not knowing which tends to cause the nerves to set in.
Next: Ryan Callahan Leaves Game With Upper-Body Injury
The Lightning is entering the final nine games of the season. While they may have clinched their spot in the postseason, there is still plenty of work left to do. Positioning is incredibly important and can play a role in the outcome of the postseason. Hopefully, Cally will be able to get a couple of games under his belt before the playoffs if he is destined to make a return this season.