Hello Lightning fans and welcome to the second installment of our Bolts’ Lineup Predictions series, where we will examine what lies ahead in 2014-15 for each of Tampa Bay’s 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. Last week, we pieced together what could be an extraordinarily dynamic top line, and today we will dive into possible player combinations on Tampa Bay’s second unit. (Photos/Susan Ferlita)
With franchise centerman Steven Stamkos sidelined for the majority of last year’s regular season, many players within the Bolts’ forward ranks were forced to take on extra minutes and shoulder much more of the offensive burden. This includes ninth-year veteran pivot Valtteri Filppula, who was brought on-board prior to last season as Vincent Lecavillier’s replacement in the center of the Lightning’s second line. After the injury to Stamkos, Filppula, like many of his teammates, was forced into an expanded role and was expected to contribute more on the offensive end. The longtime Red Wings’ center responded beautifully to this challenge, finishing the year with 33 assists and a new career-high of 25 goals. This season, with Stamkos back in the fold, Filppula will return to his traditional role as the anchor of Tampa Bay’s second forward unit. As one of the Bolts’ best possession players, Filppula can be used in a wide variety of situations, including both the power-play and penalty-kill. He has also shown great versatility over the course of his career, which should allow head coach Jon Cooper some flexibility in deciding which of his forwards to deploy in key situations.
After beginning the season skating alongside fellow rookies Tyler Johnson and Richard Panik on Tampa Bay’s third forward unit, young winger Ondrej Palat quickly worked his way up the lineup. The 23-year-old Czech Republic native burst onto the scene in Tampa Bay last season, notching 23 goals and accumulating 36 assists in an impressive debut campaign that earned him a spot as one of three finalists for the coveted Calder Trophy award. Amidst his break-out season in 2013-14, Palat was also offered a spot on the Czech Republic national team, where he competed in the Olympics alongside hockey legends like Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias. With a nose for the net and an uncanny ability to get open in the offensive zone by finding weak areas in the defense, Palat has carved himself a valuable niche within the Bolts’ top-six. While he isn’t the most physical player on the ice, Palat is able to make up for it with above-average puck-skills and elusiveness. In less than three years’ time, Palat has transformed himself from a seventh round pick into one of the most valuable players in the Lightning organization.
Despite our earlier suggestion of Ryan Callahan’s possible presence on Tampa’s top forward line, he will most likely begin the year skating alongside Filppula and Palat on the second unit. The longtime New York Rangers’ captain is well known for his hard-nosed style and relentless defensive-zone play. It is entirely possible that Cooper decides to bump him up to the top line and into a role similar to what Steve Downie was tasked with in his days as Stamkos’ right flank. However, it was evident that Callahan was able to find some level of comfort playing alongside Fillpula and Palat down the stretch last season. After joining the Bolts in March, Callahan scored six goals and added five assists during the final two months of the campaign, as the trio were able to form a formidable second unit. Things can certainly change quickly, but expect Cooper to at least begin the year with one of his strongest forward trios of 2013 remaining intact.
Second Line Point Projections
LW – Ondrej Palat: 24 goals, 39 assists, 79 games played
C – Valtteri Filppula: 22 goals, 35 assists, 74 games played
RW – Ryan Callahan: 21 goals, 20 assists, 80 games played
Next up. Lines three and four.
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