Jan 3, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) guards his net against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Tampa Bay Lightning won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

This could very well be the best news the Tampa Bay Lightning has had in a while. Earlier today, Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop has been activated from Injured Reserve and is ready to take the ice once again.

Now, don’t hop out of your seats just yet. Bishop will not be in net tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets; however, he will be serving as backup to Lightning goaltender Anders Lindback tonight at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

As most of you are painfully aware, Bishop injured his wrist in practice on Sunday, January 5th before the Lightning faced off with the Edmonton Oilers. Just 5 minutes into the first period, that injury was aggravated after attempting to block a shot. Bishop would exit the game and not return.

Thankfully, the injury was only a sprain and did not require long to heal to 100%. Not to say that a sprain is not a serious injury; however, it is surely better than a broken wrist or hand. *knocks on wood*

Before missing this small stretch due to injury, Bishop had suited up for 32 games this season. In those 32 games, he has gone 22-5-3-4 with a GAA of 1.86 and a Save Percentage of .935.

The team has not announced whether or not Bishop will be in net tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden when the Bolts take on the New York Rangers in the second half of their back-to-back.

We will keep you up to date as more information becomes available.

Are you excited for Bishop to return to the net? Do you think the Bolts will utilize him tomorrow night in New York? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.

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