The 2024-2025 NHL playoffs did not exactly go the way the Tampa Bay Lightning intended. However, one key bright spot in Tampa's tragic playoff loss came from one of the most unlikely sources: Gage Goncalves.
Who could have imagined that one of the Lightning’s best playoff performers came from one of their most inexperienced players? As a rookie during the 2024-2025 regular season, NHL.com records Goncalves as having scored a mere 20 points in 60 games.
While his numbers seem underwhelming, his stats in the playoffs are quite overwhelming. In five playoff games, Goncalves as per NHL.com had one goal, three assists, for four points in five playoff games. Not too bad for the rookie!
In an era where depth carries a team towards a Stanley Cup win 10 times out of 10, getting scoring from everywhere in the lineup is pivotal. The fact that Goncalves was able to contribute to the Tampa Bay Lightning during a time when the lights are brightest is a true testament to his work ethic. Pieces like Goncalves are exactly the kinds of players one wishes to have when the insensity rises.
The best part? Not only is Goncalves hitting the prime of his career at the ripe old age of 24 years old as stated on NHL.com, but he is doing so on a stacked Lightning roster.
In Benjamin Pierce’s article titled, “Increased confidence, offensive ability showing for Goncalves in most recent NHL chance,” on NHL.com, he speaks deftly about Gage Goncalves.Pierce as per his article quotes the following statement from Goncalves:
"Just kind of watching Kuch every day, just seeing all the preparation, all the little puck touches he does, even if it's off the wall on a rim or it's in the middle of the ice, or the way he sauces something on his backhand. Just being able to watch him and talk to him about it has been really big for me."Gage Goncalves
Imagine being a young forward in the NHL ready to make the most of each and every single opportunity and you get to learn from some of the best hockey players in the entire world. You get to learn about playmaking and making smart decisions from Nikita Kucherov. You get to practice your skating and refining your shot with Brayden point. Lastly but certainly not certainly not least, you get to learn about responsibility and work ethic from players such as Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel all while under the direction of John Cooper. Surely one cannot think of a better scenario in which to develop Gage Goncalves.
With the Lightning looking to enter the hit the ground running come next season, the young forward will certainly be fundamental should he be given the chance. Some of the best surprises in life are those that one does not expect. For the Lightning, Goncalves is one of those good kinds of surprises. Goncalves has expertly proven that despite his limited production during the regular season, he belongs in a professional blue and white sweater come October.