Ryan Callahan Illness: Updates on Lightning Wing's Status and Return

Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Ryan Callahan is dealing with the flu, and it is uncertain when he will be able to return to action for the Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Callahan's Practice Status

Wednesday, May 18

SiriusXM NHL Network noted that Callahan took part in Wednesday's morning skate.

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Lightning Have Depth to Manage Callahan's Absence

This isn’t the first time Callahan has been in the headlines this series.  

He received a boarding major on Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang in Tampa Bay’s 3-1 win last Friday in Game 1 after hitting the defender from behind. Chris Johnston of Sportsnet said Callahan would not be disciplined for the hit outside of the five-minute penalty he served—partially because Letang was able to continue playing after being evaluated.

Callahan appeared in 73 games this regular season and tallied 28 points on 10 goals and 18 assists. It was a far cry from the 54 points (24 goals and 30 assists) he notched for Tampa Bay last season as he helped guide the team to the Stanley Cup Final, where it lost to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Fortunately for the Lightning, they still have solid options to carry the load with Callahan out.

Nikita Kucherov is a consistent playmaker who finished with 66 points this season and 64 points last season. He is dynamic when pushing the puck into the offensive attack zone and will keep the offense afloat without Callahan.

The Lightning will also likely ask J.T. Brown to play more minutes after he posted 22 points in 78 games this season.