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Limping Lightning: Hedman, Callahan join injured ranks

Ryan Callahan, Victor Hedman

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Ryan Callahan (24) celebrates with teammate defenseman Victor Hedman (77) after scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal against the Florida Panthers during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, March 24, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. The Lightning won the game 4-3. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

AP

The Tampa Bay Lightning have to hold out hope that their latest run of injuries won’t leak into the playoffs.

The Bolts announced that Victor Hedman (upper-body injury) and Ryan Callahan (lower body) won’t be able to play against the New York Rangers on Tuesday. The somewhat positive news is that both players are considered day-to-day, even if such prognoses can stretch out for quite some time in their own right.

Hedman is the biggest concern, as he joins a list of very painful injuries for the Lightning that includes captain Steven Stamkos (out one-to-three months with a blood clot) and Anton Stralman (on IR with a fractured left fibula).

No doubt, this is a serious concern for the limping Lightning.

These issues do allow some solid fringe players to get more reps:

The most optimistic thought is that, in the case of Hedman and Callahan, it’s at least conceivable that those two may be ready when the playoffs begin next week.

Either way, this Lightning team looks like it will already begin the bruising playoffs with some serious headaches.