In the wake of perhaps the most buzzworthy offseason in recent franchise history, the Tampa Bay Lightning entered the 2014-15 season with lofty expectations. After a 100-plus point campaign in 2013-14 landed them the Atlantic Division’s number two seed and a trip to the postseason, most of Tampa Bay’s younger players were given a taste of playoff action. While a series of ill-timed injuries ultimately spelled the end of last year’s run, the Bolts had a first-hand opportunity to learn exactly what it takes to win in the postseason. Now, less than one year later, with general manager Steve Yzerman’s offseason acquisitions fitting in nicely, the Bolts find themselves firmly in the playoff picture once again.
The Bolts are poised for a deep playoff run
When examining the landscape of the NHL standings, the first major watermark is American Thanksgiving. Historically, teams have a much greater chance of earning a postseason berth if they have worked their way into a top-eight position by the time Thanksgiving rolls around in late November. This may seem early for those types of prognostications, but with today’s abundance of three-point games, it’s awfully difficult to make up ground in the standings. With fifteen victories in their first twenty-three games played, the Lightning currently find themselves second in the Atlantic Division, just one point behind the first-place Montreal Canadiens. While there is certainly a long way to go before anything is decided, this is obviously a great spot for the Bolts to be in at this point in the season. (Photos/Christine Gunn)
So, what is it that’s kept the Lightning afloat this season, despite the extended absence of franchise defender Victor Hedman (sidelined since October 18 with a fractured finger)? Today we break things down for you, analyzing the Bolts’ performance in the first quarter of the campaign and offer our picks for Brightest Bolt of the season, our end of year award for Tampa Bay’s most valuable player.
The Good
Within the friendly confines of Amalie Arena, the Bolts have been a tough out for any visiting opponent. Capturing 19 of a potential 24 points, the Lightning have been dominant at home this season, compiling an impressive 9-2-1 record.
Tampa Bay’s 81 goals scored is good for the highest total in the entire NHL, with the high-powered Lightning offense continuing to roll at a more than a 3.4 goals per game clip.
After early season injuries thrust rookie forward Jonathan Drouin into a top-six position, head coach Jon Cooper has had the luxury of taking as much time as
Stamkos is all the way back
possible to slowly develop his prized prospect. With a logjam of talented young playmakers up front, Cooper has limited Drouin to just more than 13 minutes of ice time a night, with sparing use on the man-advantage. This is certainly not how many envisioned Drouin’s first NHL season playing out, but it could pay dividends in the long run as a young player not yet accustomed to the 82-game grind may have fresher legs in the spring.
Goaltender Ben Bishop has bounced back from last season’s pre-playoff injury in excellent fashion. With a 2.33 goals against average and .915 save percentage, Bishop has been both steady and reliable, securing victory in 13 of his 18 starts.
Back at full strength for the first time since his devastating leg injury last fall, Lightning captain Steven Stamkos has returned to elite status as one of the league’s most lethal offensive players. With 27 points in 23 games played, Stamkos has been every bit the dynamic, game-changing force that he was before the injury.
The Bad
Despite the strong numbers posted by Bishop, Tampa Bay has allowed more than
Is Carle regressing?
2.7 goals per game this season. In fact, the Lightning’s 63 goals against is the highest number of any team currently in the playoff picture, Toronto (The East’s would-be number 8 seed) notwithstanding.
After two impressive seasons as a swift-skating driver of the play, defenseman Matt Carle has regressed in his third season with the Lightning. With just one goal and four total points, the high-priced blueliner has been a non-factor offensively, despite the absence of fellow puck-mover Victor Hedman.
The Ugly
Back-up goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, signed in the summer to provide veteran
Nabokov has been disappointing
insurance in case of another injury to Bishop, has been a monumental disappointment in the early going. In five starts, the Russian backstop has a 3.71 goals against average and an abysmal .870 save percentage. No one’s expecting miracles from the 39-year-old netminder, but he must do an adequate enough job to allow his team a chance in the game. Thus far, Nabokov has yet to prove that he still can.
Brightest Bolt of the Season – First Quarter Front-Runners
Tyler Johnson – Exploding onto the scene in his sophomore
Tyler Johnson leads the way
campaign, Johnson is scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace. With six goals and 16 assists in 23 games of action, Johnson has been a catalyst for Tampa Bay’s early-season offensive success.
Anton Stralman – Stepping into an expanded role as the team’s number one defenseman, Stralman has performed above and beyond expectations. With a plus-13, he is tied with Pittsburgh’s Christian Ehrhoff for the second highest positive rating of any NHL defenseman.
The Bolts are one of the best teams in the NHL and are staying near the top of the Eastern Conference. They have 32 points and are tied with the Islanders and Penguins, just one point behind the Canadiens. So far, so good.
