Tampa Bay’s young talent electrified the league in the 2013-14 season. Few of those rookies were as consistently good as Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat. The young forwards made magic on a regular basis in the AHL. That chemistry continued when they transitioned to the Lightning roster. This success was noticed and they were named Calder Trophy finalists. Heading into the 2014-15 campaign, some wondered if Palat and Johnson would be able to continue where they left off. Luckily for the Lightning they have more than proven that their rookie campaigns were no fluke. (Photos/Susan Ferlita)
Johnson has started the season on an absolute tear. Through 15 games he has five goals and 13 assists with a +10 plus/minus rating. His offensive output of 18 points is the highest on the team with even Steven Stamkos trailing slightly behind with 16. In fact his 18 points are tied for the fifth best in the NHL. He had a career-best seven-game point streak from October 14-28. Johnson is tied for the fourth most assists in the league and is seventh in overall points scored. He has been so prolific that it’s rare to see a Lightning box score without his name on it.
Ondrej Palat got off to a slightly slower start than his linemate. Through 15 games he has registered four goals and six assists as well as carrying a +7 plus/minus rating. If there is a prototypical Jon Cooper player, number 18 would probably be that guy. He combines speed
and skill with great defensive responsibility. He isn’t afraid to go into the tough areas and use his body when necessary. After spending some time on different lines, the pair was reunited and a number of Palat’s goals have come since being reunited with his good friend.
A big part of the forwards’ continued success is playing on a line with Nikita Kucherov. The speedy Russian winger has fit in seamlessly with Johnson and Palat and they are all reaping the benefits. Johnson spoke with Fox Sports about the trio’s success and how far they can go:
“We’re playing pretty well right now,” Johnson said. “Obviously, I’ve had some chemistry with (Palat) before. We’ve played together for three years now. Kuch just steps in, and it feels like another three years with him. So we’re just trying to build off that, trying to get better every game. And I think we’ve done that so far.
I think we’re getting better every game. So as long as we keep working hard, as long as we keep doing the right things, keep playing the game the right way, I don’t know why we would stop.”
Players like Johnson and Palat are changing the landscape of the Tampa Bay Lighning. The Bolts definitely still have their marquee players, but these skilled young forwards are giving the opposition more to worry about than just Steven Stamkos. They play a fast, intuitive game that is incredibly fun to watch. They have already elevated Kucherov’s game to another level. This added depth has made the Lightning incredibly dangerous and it reflects in the team’s hot start. Tampa’s youth movement is in full effect with players like Johnson and Palat leading the charge.
Follow me on Twitter @alexis_b82 and please “like” LightningShout on Facebook. You can email us at [email protected].
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
