Lightning Need Struggling Key Forward To Break The Ice

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gage Goncalves had a very solid 2025-26 season for the Atlantic Division club.

In 74 games last season for the Lightning, Goncalves posted career highs with 11 goals, 22 assists, 33 points, and a plus-26 rating. With this, the 25-year-old broke out this past campaign and showed that he can provide solid secondary offensive production. 

The hope is that Goncalves will take another step forward in his game this season. However, right now, Goncalves is having a tough start to the campaign for the Lightning.

Goncalves has zero points in seven games so far this season for Tampa Bay. When noting that Goncalves is supposed to be a key part of the Lightning's forward group, this kind of start is disappointing.

Yet, Goncalves still has a ton of time to bounce back from his slow start to the season. He also showed last season that he has the potential to make an impact offensively. Thus, it would not surprising in the slightest if he gets his game going again for Tampa Bay soon.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how Goncalves performs as the season rolls on. Perhaps he will get on the scoresheet during their next game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night.