Lightning’s James, Goncalves out at least next two games
An injury-plagued season continues for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
According to head coach Jon Cooper, forwards Dominic James and Gage Goncalves will miss at least the team’s next two games after suffering injuries during Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
No update from Jon Cooper on either than both James and Goncalves will miss at least the next two games, but that doesn’t mean it’s better news than it appeared “The way this year's gone, don't bet on the under.” #GoBolts likely to make a call up ahead of Tuesdays game
James, 23, suffered an apparent leg injury after getting cross-checked into the boards by Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring. James appeared fine after the initial hit, but grabbed Kesselring as they were both attempting to get up and fell awkwardly, with Kesselring appearing to come down on his leg.
Goncalves, 25, appeared to suffer his own lower-body injury after Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin knocked him down with a cross-check, causing him to slide feet-first into the boards.
Gage Goncalves & Dominic James injury clip. Just terrible…prayers for speedy recovery. #GoBolts
If James and Goncalves miss only the Lightning’s next two games, they would return for Saturday, March 7th’s matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, judging by the tenor of Cooper’s comments and his “don’t bet the under” remark, there seems to be a decent chance that they could be out for longer.
James is in his rookie season in the NHL, as he signed with Tampa Bay this past offseason following a four-year career at the University of Minnesota Duluth. In 43 games played so far, the Plymouth, Michigan native has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points.
Goncalves, who was the Lightning’s second-round pick from the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, is in his first full-time NHL season. In 54 games, the Mission, B.C. native has seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points. Last season, he had eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 60 games played with Tampa Bay.
The Lightning, despite dealing with various injuries to key players throughout the season, sit atop the Atlantic Division with 80 points though 58 games.
Tampa Bay will begin a four-game road trip when they visit the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.