Woodward: Bolts’ Lineup Predictions – First Line Forwards

Hello Lightning fans and welcome to Part I of the Bolts’ Lineup Predictions for 2014-15 where we will examine what lies ahead in 2014-15 for each of the Bolts’ forward lines and defense pairs. Lines one and two will each get their own post, while the bottom six will be combined into one. In each piece, we will analyze potential player combinations as well as projected point totals. To kick things off in this series, we will begin with a look at Tampa Bay’s number one forward line.

(Photos/Susan Ferlita)

With an outstanding group of young talent already in place, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman was able to spend this year’s offseason infusing the roster with veteran pieces and valuable role players. Head coach Jon Cooper will have a number of key decisions to make when camp rolls around later this month, including the vitally important task of finding new linemates for franchise centerman Steven Stamkos.

After spending the bulk of the 2013 season on injured reserve while recovering from a broken leg, Stamkos returned late last year for Tampa Bay’s final playoff push. While his presence was undoubtedly worthwhile to a Bolts’ team without a great deal of postseason experience, it’s obvious that he wasn’t quite back to 100 percent. In fact, upon his return, Cooper decided to lessen Stamkos’ workload by sliding him over to right wing and moving rookie pivot Tyler Johnson up onto the top-line. This decision would pay immediate dividends for the Lightning, as Stamkos and Johnson enjoyed solid chemistry together, finishing the postseason with six combined points (3G/3A) in four games. It will be highly intriguing to see whether or not Cooper decides to try the two together again this season, but with Stamkos regaining his usual spot in the middle. Johnson is a very versatile player who could be used at center to bolster the team’s depth down the middle, but keeping him with Stamkos will undoubtedly maximize his offensive potential. After a rookie campaign in which he compiled 24 goals and 50 points, it’s easy to see why voters selected Johnson as a Calder Trophy candidate in 2013. If given the chance to spend a full season skating alongside Stamkos, Johnson’s production could increase exponentially.

While Johnson may be the first choice for the job of flanking Stamkos’ right wing, he certainly isn’t the only option. Another intriguing selection could be veteran forward Ryan Callahan, who is set to begin a freshly-signed six-year contract extension with the Bolts. Perhaps the most important move of Tampa Bay’s entire offseason was Yzerman’s decision to retain the former Rangers captain. After joining the Lightning in March, Callahan posted six goals and five assists over the final two months of the season, forming a dynamic second line with rookie Ondrej Palat and veteran pivot Valteri Filppula. Given the success that the trio enjoyed together down the stretch last spring, it would be wise to keep that line in-tact, at least to begin the season. While it’s entirely possible that Cooper could decide to add a defensive presence to his top-line by bumping Callahan up alongside Stamkos, this probably won’t be the case.

On the other side, it looks like the Lightning’s first choice for top-line left wing duties is none other than 2013 first round draft choice Jonathan Drouin. Perhaps the most talked about Lightning rookie since the arrival of Stamkos in 2008, Drouin enters his first NHL season as a prohibitive Calder Trophy favorite. After an impressive training camp last fall, Drouin was unexpectedly relegated back to his junior squad in Halifax. So then, how did the 19-year-old Quebec native respond to said demotion? In exactly the fashion you’d expect, completely torching the QMJHL for a second consecutive season, scoring at more than a two points per game clip and leading the league with 79 assists. With a fantastic array of dazzling dekes, pinpoint shot accuracy and the playmaking ability of a ten-year pro, Drouin’s potential in this league is simply limitless. Pairing him and Stamkos together would create a duo as dangerous and offensively dynamic as any in all of hockey. The best move here would be to skate Drouin and Stamkos together as quickly as possible. The earlier Cooper puts the two together, the sooner they can start to build a rapport with one another and learn the nuances of each other’s game. Each player clearly possesses an otherworldly offensive skill-set and allowing them to develop chemistry as early as possible could pay off very handsomely for the Lightning.

First Line Point Predictions

LW – Jonathan Drouin: 24 goals, 34 assists, 75 games played

C – Steven Stamkos: 52 goals, 39 assists, 80 games played

RW – Tyler Johnson: 21 goals, 31 assists, 79 games played

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