On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Lightning returned Gage Goncalves to the Syracuse Crunch. It’s the second time this month the forward has been loaned back to the organization’s AHL affiliate, and considering the Lightning are starting a two-game road trip on Tuesday, it’s not likely a paper transaction. There is always the chance that Julien BriseBois is sending him down to save a few bucks on the salary cap, but it would be a minimal amount considering Goncalves cap hit.
The move could indicate that Brayden Point, who has been out of the line-up since November 3rd with an undisclosed lower-body injury, is close to returning. As usual, the team has been tight-lipped about his status, but according to Coach Cooper, he is “progressing” and still considered “day-to-day”. Inserting Point into the line-up while the team has shown a renewed dedication to their defensive play would be a huge boost for everyone.
As for Goncalves, the rookie played in four games during his recall this season without recording a point. While he didn’t get to celebrate his first NHL point just yet, his play improved every night on the ice. His outing against the Devils was his best game during his brief NHL career as he posted a .09 iXG on two shot attempts and one shot on goal. He spent most of the night with Jake Guentzel and Nick Paul with the trio posting a 72.73% corsi-for and generating two high-danger chances. If it wasn’t for the excellent goaltending of Jacob Markstrom, Goncalves would likely have had two assists on the night.
In a just and fair world, he would stay with the club with Cam Atkinson getting on the plane to Syracuse. The veteran has yet to make an impact with the Bolts, and has been a healthy scratch the last two games despite the Lightning being down a forward with Point’s injury. It is the NHL, and there are rules. With Goncalves being waiver-exempt, it’s easier to send him down at this point, but he’ll be back at some point this season. Count on it.
Hockey News
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