Ryan Callahan Injury: Updates on Lightning RW Recovery from Appendectomy Surgery

Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Ryan Callahan will make his return for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final following emergency appendectomy surgery May 11.

Continue for updates.

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Callahan Returns for Game 1

Saturday, May 16

The Lightning's official Twitter feed reported Callahan would be playing on Saturday, while Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Callahan would be on the team's third line.

On May 12, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune noted Callahan had the surgery Monday night. Though Callahan stayed overnight for observation, he was released Tuesday morning, per Smith.

Callahan was a critical part of the Lightning offense all season and finished with 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points. While he has yet to break through with a goal in the postseason, he has appeared in all 12 of his team’s games and has three assists.

Callahan’s presence was one reason the Lightning led the NHL in goals per game and set themselves up for favorable positioning in the postseason.

In addition to his own 24 goals (fourth on the team), Callahan frequently set up superstars Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson for offensive pressure, which was typically too much for opposing goalies to handle.