It was a somewhat surprising day on the transaction wire as Matt Tomkins was recalled by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday. The former Blackhawks draft pick served as the Lightning’s backup in their 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators later in the day. It was his first call-up of the season, following his six-game stint for Tampa Bay last season.
While there was some momentary concern for the health of Andrei Vasilevskiy, it appears the recall was just to have a back-up other than Vasy available in case Jonas Johansson was injured in the game against the Predators. With the Lightning playing on back-to-back nights, it guaranteed that Vasilevskiy would have the night off no matter what happened. Johansson remained injury-free and backstopped the Bolts to victory.
There was a trickle-down effect as the Syracuse Crunch recalled Ryan Fanti from Orlando where he served as Brandon Halverson’s back-up in the Crunch’s 3-0 loss to the Rochester Americans. Assuming all is well with Vasilevskiy, Tomkins could be back on the shuttle to Syracuse for the Crunch’s rematch with the Americans later today.
Tomkins has appeared in 8 games this season for the Crunch and posted a 3-5-0 record with one shutout and a 3.12 GAA. He went 3-2-1 with the Bolts last season with a 3.33 GAA and a .892, with the bulk of his games coming early in the season when Vasy was injured. He returned in April and won two of his three starts while Johansson was out with a torn quad.
Hockey News
Lightning beat Predators in overtime [Raw Charge]
The Lightning put themselves in a spot to pick up two points, and though it took a little extra time, they did it as Brayden Point roofed a power-play goal in the bonus session.
Josi’s goals not enough [On The Forecheck]
The look from the other side of the ice courtesy of our friends at On the Forecheck.
Ryan McDonagh’s return has solidified the Lightning’s defense [Tampa Bay Times]
He never wanted to leave, and he planned to come back after his contract was done. So, it’s nice to have The Mac Truck back patrolling the blueline again.
Matthews excited to return to action [Daily FaceOff]
After missing nine games due to an injury, Auston Matthews is back from Germany and ready to go just in time for the Leafs game against the Lightning tonight. Great.
Former Coyotes reaping rewards in Utah [Sportsnet]
Wait, playing for an owner who actually pays his bills on time is good for a hockey franchise? That’s crazy talk!
One player from each team opposing clubs hate playing against [Bleacher Report]
It’s Anthony Cirelli. Although, we would put Brandon Hagel at a close second.
Where does each team stand at Thanksgiving? [The Athletic]
They have the Lightning listed as “cautious buyers” due to their limited cap space and trade assets. Granted, that’s what we hear every year, and then Julien BriseBois pulls a trade rabbit out of his hat.
