Has Simone Gagne “arrived” in Tampa?

TAMPA, Fla – The mystery around Simone Gagne’s return from a neck injury was lifted late on Tuesday when it was announced by the club that he would be in the Lightning lineup in Toronto, Tuesday. Gagne’s return from an 18-game absence was a welcome addition as the Bolts began a critical stretch where they play 5 of 6 on the road over 12 days. The Lightning also got a taste of the type of performance they were looking for when they signed Gagne over the summer.
Held scoreless in six games with his new club before sitting out, Gagne quickly made his presence felt with his first assist in a Tampa uniform on the Bolts’ first goal of the game.

 
But Tampa trailed the Leafs 3-1 midway through the third period due in large part by a 35 save performance by Jonas Gustavsson. A goal by Marty St. Louis at 8:25 of the 3rd brought the Lighting within one and that set up the late game heroics.
 
Gagne provided the screen on St. Louis blast from the point and the Bolts tied the game at 3 with just 8.7 seconds left in regulation.
Gagne and the Lightning needed only one shot and 1:15 of the extra session to score the game winner as Simone capped his return with his first goal for the Lightning.
The win also snapped a two game losing streak and moved the Bolts back into second place in the Southeast Division. More importantly is the contribution the team received from Gagne heading into the difficult schedule ahead.    
“It’s been really hard,” St. Louis told Tampa Bay Lightning.com. “He’s a battler, he’s a guy that wants to be out there and help his team win. It’s not only been tough for him, it’s been tough for us to not have him. You know what he can bring.
“We’re happy to have him back.”
The road does not get easier as Tampa heads to Boston on Thursday, then home to take on red-hot Colorado Saturday, before heading off to Alberta and Vancouver. 
With Captain Vincent Lecavalier still recovering from surgery, having a healthy, productive Gagne could be critical.
One game does not make a season but with the “monkey” off his back perhaps Simone Gagne is ready to make his presence felt in Tampa. Contact Joe.Malta@prohockeynews.com