The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have recalled right wing Brett Connolly from our American Hockey League affiliate the Syracuse Crunch.

Dec 5, 2011; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing(14) before the game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

With the possibility of right wing Martin St. Louis missing time due to the injury he sustained on Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, the team had to make some adjustments to be ready to face the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.

The news hit Twitter shortly after the official announcement. The first of which was Lightning Beat Reporter Missy Zielinski.

NEWS: The #TBLightning have recalled forward Brett Connolly from their AHL affiliate the @SyracuseCrunch. — Missy Zielinski (@Missy_Zielinski) October 16, 2013

The Campbell River, BC native skated five games with the Lightning last season, notching 1 goal. Connolly had a stand out year last season with the Crunch.

In 71 games, he was able to score 31 goals and 32 assists for a total of 63 points and a plus-19 rating. That season he was 3rd in the league for goals scored, just two spots behind his fellow teammate Tyler Johnson.

It is unknown at this point exactly how much time that St. Louis will need to miss; however, while he is recovering Brett Connolly is the best option to fill the gap left by the ailing captain. He already knows our system, so there will be no adjustment period for him. That will be vital going into Game Day so quickly.

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