When the NHL releases their schedule over the summer, fans pour over it looking for important dates. For the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers, a number of those marquee games were set for the end of November and beginning of December. The teams would face each other three times over a few weeks and they would be rife with intriguing storylines. The biggest one of all were the former captains, Ryan Callahan and Martin St. Louis, would play against their old clubs for the first time since the March 5th trade that saw them switch places. Eight months later things are a lot clearer for Tampa Bay and their fans. The Lightning are a better team without St. Louis and the trade was a huge catalyst for that improvement. (Photos/Christine Gunn)
It may seem like hyperbole but Ryan Callahan has been a revelation since coming to Tampa Bay. After seeing his role reduced to a third line right winger in New York prior to his trade, he now plays on the top line and is a fixture on the power play. In 20 games with Tampa Bay last season he had six goals and 11 points. Contrast that with the 11 goals and 14 assists he had in 45 games with the Rangers last year. In his 15 games played this year he is already recorded eight goals, seven assists and a +7 rating. Callahan’s highest offensive output came in the 2011-12 season when he scored 29 goals and 54 total points. He could very well surpass those career high numbers with a full season with the Bolts’ super charged offense.
His hard working, hard hitting style has had a big impact and has transitioned to his teammates as well. Add in the veteran leadership factor from a former captain and Steve Yzerman is looking like a hockey mastermind for keeping Callahan in Tampa. Things are being done the right way in Tampa and Callahan has clearly bought into the system. Instead of testing waters as an unrestricted free agent, he signed a six-year contract extension with the Lightning on June 25th. Don’t be surprised if he is made a permanent alternate captain when those roles are cemented.
Callahan’s influence also helped bring about two of Tampa Bay’s biggest free agent signings
of the summer. Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman, also former Rangers, decided to join the Lightning after speaking with their former captain about the club. Stralman has been huge for the blueline crew and regularly sees work on the top defensive pairing. Not only has he done some stellar defensive work, but he shows up on the score sheet pretty regularly. Boyle brings a literal big presence to the third line, the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle. The center is also producing with five goals and eight points.
When Marty St. Louis was traded in March, the Lightning lost a great player that many identified as the face of the franchise. Eight months later, the team has forged a new identity. A great deal of this is due to the addition of Ryan Callahan and his influence on his teammates both old and new. It shows in their play, their success and the standings. The Tampa Bay Lightning are a better team now than they were in the spring. The best part is they’re still just getting started.
(Feature Box Photo/Tarra Dunlop)
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