With the loss of Dominic James and Gage Goncalves for the next two games after both sustained lower-body injuries in Saturday’s matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, the Lightning have recalled forward Conor Geekie [https://theahl.com/stats/player/9202] from the Syracuse Crunch. James, 23, suffered an apparent leg injury after getting cross-checked into the boards by Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-lose-james-goncalves-to-injury-ahead-of-four-game-road-trip]James fell awkwardly, with Kesselring appearing to come down on his leg. He has since been placed on injured reserve. 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. He is expected to miss the next two games. Geekie has skated in 58 career NHL games, all with Tampa Bay, recording eight goals and 15 points, including three game-winning tallies. Following training camp, Geekie was assigned to Syracuse with an emphasis on continued development and expanded ice time. The 21-year old has appeared in 47 games for the Crunch this season, posting 14 goals and 51 points. He leads the team with 37 assists, ranks second in total points and sits fourth in goals. Geekie has fully embraced his time in the AHL so far, representing the Crunch at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic.
