Conor Geekie attacks Josh Davies with haymakers in penalty-packed Bolts-Cats game – Source: Imagn

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Geekie clashed with Panthers’ Josh Davies on Wednesday during the game against the Florida Panthers.

The tussle occurred midway through the second period after Davies leveled Tampa Bay captain Victor Hedman. Geekie then engaged Davies in retaliation for the hit, getting a game misconduct for his actions. Davies also got five minutes for fighting.

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The second period of the Panthers-Lightning game totaled nine penalties, five of which were issued as a result of the Conor Geekie bout with Josh Davies.

Hedman stayed in the game. The Lightning tied the game late in the third with a goal from Nikita Kucherov, but lost the game early in OT, following a quick rush leading to a goal from Sandis Vilmanis to give the Panthers a 2-1 win.

It remains to be seen if Conor Geekie faces any disciplinary action as Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman Arber Xhekaj did. Xhekaj confronted Toronto Maple Leafs player Cedric Pare following a terrifying collision with star Patrik Laine.

Xhekaj was fined over $3,000, the maximum fine allowed under the current CBA, for his attack on Pare.

Tampa Bay Lightning have high expectations for Conor Geekie

Conor Geekeie figures to be a significant piece of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s future. The 20-year-old was the main piece coming back to Tampa in the Mikhail Sergachev trade with the Utah Hockey Club.

As a former first-round pick, Geekie arrived in Tampa with high expectations. NHL.com quoted Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, stating:

“He’s a 20-year-old top-end prospect that plays at a premium position,” BriseBois added, “We haven’t had the luxury of having a prospect of this high of a profile in many years.”

With Tampa Bay trading away draft picks and prospects to keep its competitive window open, the prospect pool is relatively shallow. But Geekie adds another dimension to the Lightning’s future attack.

Geekie has been a star everywhere he’s played. Most recently, he notched 99 points for Wenatchee and Swift Current in WHL. Now, Geekie is looking to translate his success to the NHL.

While it’s unclear whether Geekie has a realistic chance at making the NHL roster this season, a full season in the AHL should help his transition into pro hockey.

If things go well in the minors, Tampa Bay fans could get a look at the team’s top prospect sooner rather than later. The Lightning hope that Geekie’s high ceiling will translate into continued success at the NHL level.