Ryan Callahan out indefinitely after emergency appendectomy

The hockey gods are clearly conspiring against the Lightning, or lining up in favor of the Canadiens.

First, there was the whole losing Games 4 and 5 against Montreal and a chance to eliminate the Canadiens. Now, there’s this report from the Tampa Bay Times that forward Ryan Callahan is out indefinitely after an emergency appendectomy Monday. Game 6 is Tuesday. Tampa is up 3-2 in the series.

Of course, it would be an unpredictable medical situation that could derail the Lightning.

Per the Times:

Callahan didn't practice Monday, with the team saying he first felt abdominal pain during the afternoon. He was admitted to Tampa General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Callahan was in the emergency room by 9 p.m. and out by 10 p.m., and in stable condition, team spokesman Bill Wickett said. 

While Callahan only has three assists this playoff, this would be a big blow simply because he’s a good player and he plays on the first line. But it’s still better than losing Steven Stamkos, or Tyler Johnson for Tampa. Callahan had 54 points in 77 games this season.

If Tampa wins Game 6 and the Rangers win Game 7 against Washington, this would potentially deprive us of the Callahan v. Martin St. Louis Eastern Conference Final of former captains who were traded for one another. Also known as the Martin St. Louis boo-fest. Sigh...

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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