Captain Cally Returns: Ryan Callahan (seen above with Derek Stepan) following his playoff clincher at Florida will be the opponent in his MSG return.
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Tonight is the emotional return of Ryan Callahan. The popular former Rangers captain visits MSG along with familiar faces Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman when the Lightning battle our Blueshirts. This one has been circled for a while and should be worth the wait.

The man known to many as Captain Cally was one of our own. A heart and soul type who left every ounce on the ice. A classic overachiever, Callahan was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 Draft. The same draft that netted Brandon Dubinsky two rounds earlier. Both were integral parts of the team’s rebuild. They were key leaders during the Rangers’ run to the Conference Final- helping them win the Atlantic Division and finish with the East’s best record.

After falling short, Glen Sather subtracted Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov sending them to Columbus for Rick Nash. A trade that’s worked out for both sides. Even if Nash wasn’t healthy his first two seasons, he was part of a special group that went to the Stanley Cup Final. The club’s first appearance since 1994. Sather made the hardest decision of his Ranger tenure dealing away Callahan to Tampa Bay for Marty St. Louis. The two sides tried to work out a new contract but Callahan’s demands were too high forcing Sather’s hand. As it turned out, the Rangers rallied around St. Louis following the death of his Mom making a memorable run.

Thinking back, it wasn’t easy for fans. Number 24 will always be remembered. The passion he played with was second to none. No question the Rochester native gave everything. Who could forget that suicidal dive in front to block a Zdeno Chara shot to get his team back in the playoffs? It cost him the postseason. That’s the kind of high character player he is. There’s nothing he won’t do to help his team win. Only now, that tenacious style comes in a Bolts jersey where he took less ($5.8 million). If you had the chance to play with Steven Stamkos, can you blame him? As usual, he’s missed a few games but is a point-per-game going 6-7-13 in 13.

Ironically, St. Louis has exactly the same stat line except in four more games. After a slow start, the ageless small wonder has five goals in the last seven. His 13 points rank third in team scoring trailing only Derick Brassard and Nash. Like he had in Tampa where he won a Cup, St. Louis has become a team leader offsetting Callahan. More skilled even at age 39, the former Hart winner still has something left. The question is will he re-sign next summer. That’s still a long way off.

As for Callahan, he brings Boyle and Stralman with him. Both were part of last year’s team. Each playing pivotal roles. It was tough to see them leave. Boyle was a warrior who always elevated his game in the postseason. It isn’t surprising to see him fitting in with new teammates. He already has five goals and three assists. Part of that production is being surrounded with better talent. Figure Boyle to get underneath one of his ex-mates skin. He’s always chatty. Meanwhile, Stralman is anchoring Tampa’s blueline with Victor Hedman out. Aside from logging big minutes, he’s added offense with two goals and eight assists. That’s because he plays power play. Something he rarely did here.

When Callahan sports his trademark number 24, it will be as an opponent. He’ll don Lightning white and navy blue. You know he’ll be in the starting lineup. I imagine Boyle and Stralman will also line up. It’s what coaches usually do. The appropriate thing to do is cheer Callahan and politely applaud Boyle and Stralman. But Callahan deserves a nice ovation as he was True Blue. He bled it. I have to figure there’ll be a video tribute. Will it come at the beginning or during a timeout? Either way, there shouldn’t be a dry eye.

As a fan, I respect what Captain Cally brought. Even if he wasn’t worth what he wanted, it still was upsetting. I still hope he does well as I do with almost every one of our former players. I don’t believe in rooting against guys I cheered for. I’ll give Callahan a loud cheer and clap for Boyle and Stralman at the start. But that’s it. Once the game is on, they’re opponents our team is trying to beat.

Cheer for Callahan. Root for the home team. Let’s Go Rangers!