Through 20 games, the Tampa Bay Lightning has an impressive 14-6-0 record and is sitting atop the Eastern Conference. If you break the season down into ten game sets, (that’s two sets of 7-3-0 hockey) that’s a tremendous pace. The team will almost certainly not perform to that level in every ten game segment (especially with Steven Stamkos out for an extended period), but the expectation has been established. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
What’s gotten them here? Of course, the improved team play and much-improved team defense is a major reason as well as the stellar goaltending of Ben Bishop. With their best player sidelined, the team’s resiliency will make or break them going forward.
What will it take to avoid a letdown? It’s time for the young guns to step up on offense. The “Top Gun” line of Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Richard Panik will be counted on for regular scoring in addition to their all-around play. Additionally, players such as J.T. Brown and Brett Connolly must become everyday contributors with more ice time.
Who’s getting sunburned from the spotlight? So far, that would be the aforementioned Brett Connolly. His single goal and point through nine games this season will not help this team continue on the road to the playoffs. He’s been playing center and getting lots of chances on the top line. If he can’t produce, GM Steve Yzerman will find someone who will. Despite being only 21 years old, this is not a time where the team will show very much patience with Connolly. It’s up to him to decide what the next chapter of his young career will look like.
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