Clinching their eighth straight playoff berth, the Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up with a retooled core in hopes of winning a third Stanley Cup this decade. However, they’re dealing with a few late-season injuries, which have left Oliver Bjorkstrand, Luke Glendening, and Darren Raddysh sidelined. Through their retooling, the Lightning have acquired some superb young talent. That includes 6-foot-4 Conor Geekie, who drew into the Lightning’s starting lineup for the first time since February. Related: Lightning Recall Conor Geekie From AHL Syracuse Geekie, brought over in the Mikhail Sergachev trade, made Tampa Bay’s opening night roster out of training camp. He registered six goals and 12 points in 49 games before he was sent to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL). With the Lightning down a few roster spots due to injury and the playoffs around the corner, Geekie should remain in the lineup, even when the injured players return. Geekie’s Size & Power Are Playoff Ready While he’s just 20 years old, Geekie’s frame, physicality, and shot power make him a potential factor in a playoff game for the Lightning. His fastest shot speed was 93.34 miles per hour (mph) per NHL Edge, ranking in the 92nd percentile this season. Furthermore, his 9.48 hits per 60 at five-on-five rank third amongst Lightning forwards only behind Zemgus Girgensons and Mitchell Chaffee per Natural Stat Trick. On the other hand, Geekie isn’t shy with absorbing contact either and ranks fifth in hits taken per 60 at five-on-five for Tampa Bay. Conor Geekie, Tampa Bay Lightning (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) Weighing in at 207 pounds, Geekie’s stature can make the difference in a versatile third-line scoring or checking forward role for the Lightning. In his time with the team, we’ve seen plays where Geekie can barrel down the boards with speed and fire quick, powerful shots off the rush. The kid isn’t afraid to throw the puck on the net, best demonstrated in the Lightning’s 7-4 victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday (April 13). Geekie by the Numbers Against the Sabres In Tampa Bay’s most recent contest, Geekie registered a team-high seven shot attempts and four shots on goal at five-on-five. As a result, he was rewarded with a goal of his own on a persistent offensive zone shift in the second period. With Geekie on the ice, the Lightning outshot the Sabres 9-7 and out-chanced them 9-3. Geekie appeared energized with his return to the NHL lineup, finding chemistry with Nick Paul and Gage Goncalves on the third line. For the foreseeable future, this trio seems like a solid combination until Bjorkstrand returns from injury. This line could cycle down low with the size of Geekie and Paul, plus the work ethic of Goncalves. Lightning Coaching Staff Made the Right Call With Geekie’s AHL Development The Lightning’s prized rookie was rather productive during his time in the AHL this season, registering 11 goals and 20 points in 24 games with the Crunch. The jump from the Western Hockey League (WHL) straight to the NHL proved to be a difficult transition for Geekie, but sometimes players need to take a step backward in the development ladder to move forward. That’s exactly what Geekie and the Lightning did because now he looks fresh and improved following his stint in the minors. Following his performance on Sunday, don’t be surprised if Geekie becomes a full-time member of the Lightning’s playoff roster. His energy, size, and youth are all favorable factors for a third-line role. To make things clear, Geekie should not be trusted in a top-six role for Round 1, but rather in a controlled environment where he can beat up on some easier competition. With time, Geekie will earn elevated minutes with more talented forwards and develop into the star power forward he’s projected to be. Until then, continue to trust the Lightning’s development route for the young Canadian forward.