Lightning’s experience playing a big role in persevering through injuries
The Tampa Bay Lightning sit in first place in the Atlantic Division, and appear to be cruising towards their ninth straight playoff appearance. They’re on the type of run that can’t be achieved without overcoming some adversity, and there’s no better example of their perseverance than this season. The Lightning are riding a four-game winning streak despite being without star center Brayden Point, and losing center Anthony Cirelli mid-way through the streak. Defensemen Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh have also missed time this season.
Injuries or not, Tampa Bay’s experience and veteran leadership have made them the envy of the Eastern Conference yet again. There’s no panic in head coach Jon Cooper, star winger Nikita Kucherov, or goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, all of whom have been world class this season.
On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, hosts Irf Gaffar and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discussed the Lightning’s impressive play this season.
Irf Gaffar: The Tampa Bay Lightning are a scary team, and if they can figure out the cap space and how to add here around the deadline, I think the East is going to be theirs to be completely honest.
Carter Hutton: That was a team Ty and I kicked the tires on for (Artemi) Panarin, because they’ve been aggressive and obviously that ship has sailed. That being said, you look at these last two wins when you talk about character and you talk about being able to punch back against tough hockey teams. You beat the Buffalo Sabres with a big comeback. In the Stadium Series, a huge comeback against the Boston Bruins with the goalie fight and everything that went into it. Those were shootout games, 4-3 in overtime, 6-5 in a shootout, but then they beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-1, they beat the Utah Mammoth 2-0 in tight games. It feels like right now that Tampa Bay can beat you any which way.
We talk about teams having tough years, and injuries and everything that goes into it, the Tampa Bay Lightning are a team that has dealt with them more than ever, and they’ve found a way to win. I think that’s what good hockey teams do, and I think that’s just part of their leadership group and something that’s been impressive.
You can catch the full discussion and the rest of Thursday’s episode here…