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Ex-Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh welcomed back in return to Tampa

He doesn’t play due to injury, but McDonagh receives a warm reception at Amalie Arena as a member of the Predators.
 
Former Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh, shown on the Amalie Arena video board, acknowledges the crowd as he returns to Tampa, this time as a member of the Nashville Predators.
Former Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh, shown on the Amalie Arena video board, acknowledges the crowd as he returns to Tampa, this time as a member of the Nashville Predators. [ EDUARDO A. ENCINA | Tampa Bay Times ]
Published Dec. 9, 2022

TAMPA — This probably wasn’t the way Ryan McDonagh wanted Lightning fans to see him in his return to Tampa.

He did a lot of dirty work in his five seasons with the Lightning. McDonagh was the team’s top shot blocker, a rock on the penalty kill and a calming presence in the back end. As coach Jon Cooper often said, McDonagh was the definition of a “gamer.”

After taking a blocked shot to the face Friday night against the Islanders, McDonagh — traded in the offseason to the Predators — was unable to play in his first game back at Amalie Arena as an opponent Thursday night.

He arrived with a black, right eye and his face still swollen from the injury. During the first period, a highlight video played and McDonagh received a standing ovation from the Tampa crowd.

“Those are special opportunities,” McDonagh said Thursday morning of coming back. “Then, for the first time being back here in Tampa in this building, I tried my best to make it work because a lot of great memories here in my time and really thankful for my time here.”

Related: For Lightning, reuniting with former teammate Ryan McDonagh 'just like old times.'

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