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In the wake of a 2-0 defeat against the Detroit Red Wings on January 25, the Tampa Bay Lightning found themselves with a record of 26 wins, 19 losses, and 3 overtime losses, translating to 55 points and a .541 points percentage. Just two days later, general manager Julien BriseBois addressed the media, highlighting the team’s prowess despite a disheartening stretch of only six victories in their last 15 games.
BriseBois emphasized that, following 48 games, the Lightning ranked first in goals scored, third in goal differential, and fourth in power play efficiency, while also performing well in several other crucial metrics.
“You don’t achieve such strong underlying numbers, particularly in goal differential, without being a very skilled hockey team with excellent players and coaching,” he noted.
The Lightning’s potential was evident; although they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks despite outplaying them on January 27, the team rebounded with an outstanding 21-7-5 record over the remaining 33 games, resulting in a .712 points percentage. They concluded the regular season with a total of 104 points, securing home ice advantage in the playoffs, which begin against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
“There are 32 teams, and only 16 remain,” stated head coach Jon Cooper, reflecting on the significance of their playoff inclusion. “Every year, people seem to say it’s the end for us, yet we consistently come back and prove otherwise. It’s been incredible to experience for over a decade. I look forward to making more unforgettable memories in the playoffs.”
Here are five reasons why Cooper’s decade-plus tenure with the Lightning signals that more memorable moments could unfold at Amalie Arena this spring.
Nikita Kucherov
Regarded as an artist on the ice, Nikita Kucherov claimed the Art Ross Trophy for a third time as the NHL’s leading scorer with 121 points, strengthening his case for another Hart Trophy as league MVP. However, his impact stretches beyond mere statistics.
During a dramatic moment in the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 25, Kucherov found himself stuck between defenseman Ryan Graves and goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. After suffering three chipped teeth when his face collided with Nedeljkovic’s mask, Kucherov quickly returned to the ice to score during a power play, helping his team to a convincing 6-1 victory.
Brandon Hagel praised Kucherov’s dedication: “He’s a 100-point player, but he battles through adversity. I can relate to the pain of losing teeth, but that’s just his nature. It’s why he’s a teammate everyone appreciates.”
Andrei Vasilevskiy
No championship contender can overlook the importance of an elite goaltender, and Andrei Vasilevskiy has garnered a reputation as one of the best in the world. With a career-best 2.18 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, he excelled this season and is likely to be a strong Vezina Trophy candidate, although Connor Hellebuyck has dominated major goalie categories.
Cooper effectively managed Vasilevskiy’s workload throughout the season, allowing backup Jonas Johansson to make significant starts. There is confidence that Vasilevskiy will perform at a high level in the playoffs, especially given how often his impressive saves bolstered his teammates during critical moments.
“He’s always there for us in clutch situations,” commented defenseman Erik Cernak. “This season, he’s been phenomenal.”
Victor Hedman praised Vasilevskiy’s work ethic, asserting, “He is one of the greatest ever. His preparation and on-ice performance are consistently impressive, which is no coincidence.”
Special Teams Efficiency
The Lightning boasted a power play effectiveness of 25.9%, ranking fifth in the league, with Jake Guentzel leading the league in power play goals. The penalty kill also performed admirably, sitting seventh with an 81.5% success rate and scoring 11 shorthanded goals.
Cooper credited assistant coach Jeff Blashill for designing an effective penalty-killing strategy, noting the team’s adaptability as new players integrated into the system throughout the season.
“As the season progressed, our chemistry improved,” Cooper said. “Adapting to new systems takes time, but I believe our group has a solid understanding.”
Cirelli and Hagel have excelled in shorthanded situations, while still prioritizing their primary responsibilities on the PK.
Defensive Commitment
Ryan McDonagh has been a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s defense, demonstrating accountability and reliability during his tenure. After being reacquired by the Lightning, he showcased exceptional performance, earning a league-leading plus-43 rating as well as recognition as the team’s nominee for the Masterton Trophy.
“It’s all about making the little plays—blocking shots, sacrificing for the team,” McDonagh remarked. “When everyone is committed, our success follows. We’ve talked about this extensively. It’s about hard work and dedication.”
Compared to last season, this year’s five-on-five defensive play has vastly improved, with the Lightning evolving into one of the premier defensive units in the league.
Lead Management
Winning the NHL is notoriously challenging, especially when facing a third-period deficit. However, Tampa Bay’s record of 38 wins, one loss, and two overtime losses when leading after two periods speaks volumes about their ability to protect leads. Balancing offensive aggression while ensuring defensive alignment is crucial for successful lead management.
“It’s essential to protect the lead while still pushing our strengths,” said Hedman. “Our team has learned how to balance attacking and fortifying our defense.”
With an impressive goal differential of plus-75, the Lightning have frequently found themselves in advantageous positions, leading after the first period in 36 games and securing victory in 28 of those encounters. This strong season reflects their overall capabilities and underscores their potential as serious contenders for another championship this decade.
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