The Tampa Bay Lightning will get a boost to their lineup on Saturday when they host the Carolina Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena.
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Nick Paul will return after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury he sustained during the NHL Stadium Series game on Feb. 1.
Paul is known for being vocal on the bench and in the locker room, and he's a versatile player that Cooper can move up and down the lineup. With Geekie reassigned to Syracuse, Paul could slot in on the fourth line Saturday.
“I’m just trying to be the guy who brings momentum to the game,” said Paul. “If we need a momentum switch, I want to be the person out there ready to do that — just be wherever they need me to play. It’s been a crazy season with our roster, so I’m just trying to be that versatile guy who can move anywhere.”
Gage Goncalves, sitting two stalls down from Paul, said he brings a welcome boost of energy to the group.
“Pauly’s probably one of the best guys in this room as a whole," he said. "To have him back on the bench talking and keeping things light, knowing when to tighten it up and when to keep guys loose, it’s awesome for us."
“He brings back a great component. He’s awesome in the faceoff dot, and he seems to score big goals at big times. I know a lot of the guys are excited to have him back tonight.”
Paul was equally complimentary of Goncalves.
“Gage is a great player. He’s very skilled and smart, even if it’s not the plays you really notice out there. The more confidence he gets, the more it’s going to show.”
With Paul back in the lineup and players like Goncalves in the mix, the Lightning hope to regain some momentum as they head into a critical stretch of the season.
“I thought when we were on that run, it was all about the kind of hockey we were playing," Paul added. "It’s defense first, not forcing a play and giving them momentum. Just getting pucks deep and playing winning hockey.”