Lightning's Ryan Callahan still day-to-day, could play in Game 1
After an emergency appendectomy, Ryan Callahan is still day-to-day. He still could possibly play in Game 1.
By
Chris Peters
•
1 min read
Just days after an emergency appendectomy cost him his spot in the Game 6 lineup for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Montreal Canadiens, Lightning forward Ryan Callahan could be ready to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
Callahan is still labeled as day-to-day, but when the puck drops Saturday against the New York Rangers, he just might be on the ice. The former Rangers captain will be a game-time decision Saturday against his old club.
Head coach Jon Cooper said the decision about whether to play essentially will be up to Callahan.
Cooper said that doctors have said Callahan can't do any more damage to the surgical area, and it's about pain tolerance
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) May 15, 2015
Callahan said he's feeling better, did more today then yesterday. Will see how he feels tomorrow before deciding on Game 1 status
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) May 15, 2015
Callahan practiced for the second straight day after returning to the ice Thursday. According to the reporters on scene, winger fully participated in the practice and was included during line rushes. Given Callahan’s reputation as a tough customer, it seems highly likely he will be back in the mix.
Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault is even expecting it.
Vigneault said he would be surprised if Callahan doesn't play in Game 1. "I would expect him to be there tomorrow knowing who he is."
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 15, 2015
When the puck drops Saturday, it will have been five days since Callahan underwent the emergency procedure.
In 12 postseason games with the Lightning this year, Callahan has three assists. He is also a plus-7 and has been credited with 42 hits, while averaging over 18 minutes per game playing on a line most frequently with Lightning captain Steven Stamkos.
Prior to being traded last season, Callahan played eight seasons with the Rangers. He was drafted by New York back in 2004 in the fourth round and served as the team’s captain from 2011 up until he was shipped to Tampa Bay.
