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Home , Adam Erne, Alex Killorn, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Anthony Cirelli, Ben Hankinson, Brayden Point

LIGHTNING EXECUTIVES AND HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF Owner, Governor & Chairman Jeff Vinik Chief Executive Officer and Alternate Governor Steve Griggs Vice President and Julien BriseBois Senior Advisor to the General Manager Assistant General Manager Director of Player Development Stacy Roest Director of Amateur Scouting Al Murray Director of Pro Scouting Jamie Pushor Sr. Director of Team Services Ryan Belec Manage r of Hockey Administration Liz Koharski Assistant Coaches Todd Richards Derek Lalonde Director of High Performance & Strength Coach Mark Lambert Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coac h Brandon Rodgers Video Coach Nigel Kirwan Video Coordinator Brian Garlock Goaltending Coach Frantz Jean Head Athletic Trainer Tom Mulligan Assistant Athletic Trainer Mike Poirier Massage Therapist Christian Rivas Eq uipment Manager Ray Thill Assistant Equipment Managers Rob Kennedy Jason Berger Director of Hockey Analytics Michael Peterson

PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS Executive Vice President of Communications and Marketing Bill Wickett Sr. Director of Communications Brian Breseman Sr. Manager of Communications Trevor Van Knotsenburg Beat Reporter/Media Relations Assistant Bryan Burns Communications Intern Colleen Quinn

2018 - 19 GAME - BY - GAME RESULTS W - L # Date Team W - L - OT Record GF - GA Scorers W PP PK SF - SA Attend. Gltdr. 1 10/06/18 FLA W** 1 - 0 - 0 2 - 1 71s 10 0 - 3 5 - 5 29 - 43 88 / 34 19092+ 2 10/11/18 VAN L 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 4 21 6 0 - 5 4 - 4 34 - 28 31/88 19092+ 3 10/13/18 CLB W 2 - 1 - 0 8 - 2 77,13,37p,21,21p,17p,86,10p 37 4 - 7 5 - 5 31 - 32 88/72 19092+ 4 10/16/18 CAR W 3 - 1 - 0 4 - 2 9s,9,37p,9 37 1 - 1 4 - 4 27 - 40 70/34 19092+ 5 10/18/18 DET W 4 - 1 - 0 3 - 1 21,91,17 91 0 - 4 5 - 5 31 - 30 88/35 19092+ 6 10/20/18 @MIN O* 4 - 1 - 1 4 - 5 24,37,10p,6 64 1 - 5 2 - 2 31 - 34 32/88 19080+ 7 10/21/18 @CHI W 5 - 1 - 1 6 - 3 86,71,37p,21,77,24 21 1 - 3 3 - 4 55 - 36 70/30 21012+ 8 10/24/18 @COL W 6 - 1 - 1 1 - 0 86p 86 1 - 3 4/4 24 - 22 88/1 16753 9 10/26/18 @VGK W 7 - 1 - 1 3 - 2 9,21,10p 10 1 - 2 3 - 4 23 - 31 88/29 18207+ 10 10/27/18 @ARI L 7 - 2 - 1 1 - 7 73p 9 1 - 5 4 - 4 31 - 30 32/70 13623 11 10/30/18 NJD W 8 - 2 - 1 8 - 3 55,55,21,86p,91p,9,86,27 86 2 - 3 2 - 3 44 - 30 88/1 19092+ 12 11/01/18 NSH L 8 - 3 - 1 1 - 4 29 59 0 - 2 1 - 1 43 - 24 35/88 19092+ 13 11/03/18 @MTL W 9 - 3 - 1 4 - 1 91,10,91,37 10 0 - 3 4 - 4 36 - 35 88/31 21302+ 14 11/04/18 @OTT W* 10 - 3 - 1 4 - 3 13,7,21p,37 37 1 - 3 1 - 3 45 - 25 70/41 11364 15 11/06/18 EDM W 11 - 3 - 1 5 - 2 91,21,37,86,86p 37 1 - 6 3 - 4 35 - 35 88/19 19092+ 16 11/08/18 NYI W 12 - 3 - 1 4 - 2 7,10,9,91 9 0 - 4 5 - 5 27 - 37 88/40 19092+ 17 11/10/18 OTT L 12 - 4 - 1 4 - 6 7,77p,55,7 18 1 - 3 2 - 4 28 - 34 41/88 19092+ 18 11/13/18 @BUF L 12 - 5 - 1 1 - 2 71 21 0 - 1 1/1 30 - 19 40/70 15833 19 11/15/18 @PIT W 13 - 5 - 1 4 - 3 21p,21p,21p,37p 37 4 - 7 2 - 4 26 - 31 70/30 18422+ 20 11/17/18 @PHI W* 14 - 5 - 1 6 - 5 73p,13,21,9p,21p,71 71 3 - 4 2 - 5 26 - 45 70/33 19060 21 11/19/18 @NSH L 14 - 6 - 1 2 - 3 77,86 92 0 - 2 2 - 3 31 - 34 35/70 17419+ 22 11/21/18 FLA W 15 - 6 - 1 7 - 3 7,86p,37,73,91,27,5 73 1 - 4 2 - 4 33 - 43 70/1 19092+ 23 11/23/18 CHI W 16 - 6 - 1 4 - 2 9,9,21,24 21 0 - 3 2 - 2 29 - 32 70/50 19092+ 24 11/25/18 NJD W 17 - 6 - 1 5 - 2 17,21p,9,13,21 9 1 - 3 2 - 2 35 - 35 70/35 19092+ 25 11/27/18 ANA L 17 - 7 - 1 1 - 3 21 37 0 - 4 2 - 3 35 - 22 30/70 19092+ 26 11/29/18 BUF W 18 - 7 - 1 5 - 4 5,17,86,91p,13 13 1 - 5 2 - 2 37 - 22 70/40 19092+ 27 12/01/18 @FLA W* 19 - 7 - 1 5 - 4 17,7,86p,13,21p 21 2 - 3 3 - 4 39 - 27 70/34 12361 28 12/03/18 @NJD W 20 - 7 - 1 5 - 1 86,21p,9,37,91p 21 2 - 3 4 - 4 26 - 27 70/1 13394 29 12/04/18 @DET W** 21 - 7 - 1 6 - 5 7,7,91,10,13s 86 0 - 2 2 - 2 35 - 24 80/35 18477 30 12/06/18 BOS W 22 - 7 - 1 3 - 2 21,7,71s 71 0 - 1 2 - 2 30 - 35 70/40 19092+ 31 12/08/18 COL W 23 - 7 - 1 7 - 1 91p,91,9,17,18,71,18p 91 2 - 3 2 - 2 38 - 30 70/1 19092+ 32 12/10/18 NYR W 24 - 7 - 1 6 - 3 91p,91p,27,71,91,71 71 2 - 6 1 - 1 36 - 26 70/30 19092+ 33 12/13/18 TOR W 25 - 7 - 1 4 - 1 71s,86p,17,9 86 1 - 3 6 - 6 21 - 49 88/31 19092+ 34 12/16/18 @WPG O* 25 - 7 - 2 4 - 5 17p,91,9,86p 55 2 - 2 0 - 1 47 - 42 37/88 15321+ 35 12/18/18 @VAN W 26 - 7 - 2 5 - 2 86,13,73,91,18 73 0 - 4 6 - 6 37 - 38 88/31 17193 36 12/20/18 @CGY W** 27 - 7 - 2 5 - 4 18,91,17,5 10 0 - 4 1 - 1 36 - 37 70/33 19289+ 37 12/22/18 @EDM W 28 - 7 - 2 6 - 3 91p,86,10,9,91,9 9 1 - 2 1 - 3 45 - 28 88/19 18347+ 38 12/27/18 PHI W* 29 - 7 - 2 6 - 5 86,21p,91,91p,9,17 17 2 - 3 2 - 2 37 - 33 88/30 19092+ 39 12/29/18 MTL W 30 - 7 - 2 6 - 5 37,6,86p,9,73,73 73 1 - 3 2 - 3 32 - 38 88/37 19092+ 40 12/31/18 @ANA W* 31 - 7 - 2 2 - 1 86,21 21 0 - 3 1 - 1 35 - 36 88/36 17340+ 41 01/03/19 @LAK W 32 - 7 - 2 6 - 2 86p,21p,24,27,91p,7 24 3 - 4 4 - 5 33 - 30 88/32 17551 42 01/05/19 @SJS L 32 - 8 - 2 2 - 5 77,98 9 0 - 2 2 - 3 20 - 33 31/88 17562+ 43 01/08/19 CLB W 33 - 8 - 2 4 - 0 7,21,86,21 7 0 - 1 1 - 1 22 - 31 88/72 19092+ 44 01/10/19 CAR W 34 - 8 - 2 3 - 1 18p,21p,21 21 2 - 6 4 - 4 30 - 27 88/34 19092+ 45 01/12/19 @BUF W 35 - 8 - 2 5 - 3 21,18,86,91,24p 91 1 - 2 4 - 4 30 - 33 70/35 19070+ 46 01/13/19 @NYI L 35 - 9 - 2 1 - 5 27 15 0 - 3 0 - 1 39 - 28 1/88 11193 47 01/15/19 @DAL W 36 - 9 - 2 2 - 0 18,98 18 0 - 3 6 - 6 21 - 35 88/35 18021 48 01/17/19 TOR L 36 - 10 - 2 2 - 4 21p,77 16 1 - 4 2 - 2 38 - 31 31/88 19092+ 49 01/19/19 SJS W 37 - 10 - 2 6 - 3 7,17,37,77p,91,91p 77 2 - 4 2 - 3 26 - 39 88/31 19092+ 50 01/30/19 @PIT L 37 - 11 - 2 2 - 4 10,91p 87 1 - 3 3 - 3 35 - 22 30/88 18514+

51 02/01/19 @NYI W** 38 - 11 - 2 1 - 0 77 0 - 1 4 - 4 41 - 36 88/1 13971+ 52 02/02/19 @NYR W 39 - 11 - 2 3 - 2 37,81,91 91 0 - 1 3 - 4 23 - 33 70/30 17468 53 02/05/19 VGK O** 39 - 11 - 3 2 - 3 21p,7 89 1 - 5 3 - 3 26 - 37 29/88 19092+

54 02/07/19 STL O* 39 - 11 - 4 0 - 1 10 0 - 2 3 - 3 32 - 39 50/88 19092+ 55 02/09/19 PIT W 40 - 11 - 4 5 - 4 37,81,71s,9,10 10 0 - 1 1 - 1 34 - 32 88/1 19092+ 56 02/10/19 @FLA W 41 - 11 - 4 5 - 2 86,91,24,21p,86p 24 2 - 4 4 - 4 23 - 27 70/34 13566 57 02/12/19 CGY W 42 - 11 - 4 6 - 3 21p,13,86,71,37,91p 71 2 - 4 2 - 4 27 - 22 88/33 19092+ 58 02/14/19 DAL W 43 - 11 - 4 6 - 0 91p,98,9,86,17,91p 91 2 - 5 2 - 2 26 - 32 88/ 5 5 19092+ 59 02/16/19 MTL W 44 - 11 - 4 3 - 0 86p,37,9 86 1 - 4 2 - 2 37 - 20 88/31 19092+ 60 02/18/19 @CBJ W 45 - 11 - 4 5 - 1 86,86,91p,21p,21 86 2 - 3 4 - 4 20 - 40 88/70 16411 61 02/19/19 @PHI W 46 - 11 - 4 5 - 2 98,17,10,37p,27 10 1 - 4 3 - 3 33 - 30 70 - 79 18932 62 02/21/19 BUF W** 47 - 11 - 4 2 - 1 86 91 0 - 3 4 - 4 40 - 30 88/40 19092+ 63 02/25/19 LAK W** 48 - 11 - 4 4 - 3 21p,71,10 77 1 - 4 4 - 4 34 - 33 88/36 19092+ 64 0 2/28/ 19 @NYR W* 49 - 11 - 4 4 - 3 9,10p,5,77 77 1 - 3 6 - 6 30 - 36 88/40 17012 65 02/29/19 @BOS L 49 - 12 - 4 1 - 4 71 55 0 - 3 2 - 3 21 - 41 40/70 17565+ 66 03/02/19 OTT W 50 - 12 - 4 5 - 1 77,27,81,86,98 27 0 - 3 3 - 3 34 - 37 88/41 19092+ 67 03/05/19 WPG W 51 - 12 - 4 5 - 2 37,73,91p,13,21p 91 2 - 4 1 - 3 38 - 32 88/30 19092+

68 03/07/19 MIN L 51 - 13 - 4 0 - 3 16 0 - 2 4 - 4 25 - 30 40/88 19092+ 69 03/09/19 DET W 52 - 13 - 4 3 - 2 27,86,86 86 0 - 3 4 - 5 33 - 24 70/45 19092+ 70 03/11/19 @TOR W 53 - 13 - 4 6 - 2 9,71,9,18,13s,13 9 0 - 1 2 - 2 42 - 28 88/31 19491+ 71 03/14/19 @DET W 54 - 13 - 4 5 - 4 91p,21,86p,9,86 86 2 - 3 3 - 3 39 - 27 88/35 19515+ 72 03/16/19 WSH W 55 - 13 - 4 6 - 3 9,17,17,81,17,37 81 0 - 4 3 - 4 35 - 34 88/70 19092+ 73 03/18/19 ARI W 56 - 13 - 4 4 - 1 91,77,71s,37s 77 0 - 1 2 - 2 24 - 29 88/35 19092+ 74 03/20/19 @WSH W* 57 - 13 - 4 5 - 4 86p,91p,71,86p,77 77 3 - 3 5 - 6 28 - 58 88/70 18506+ 75 03/21/19 @CAR W 58 - 13 - 4 6 - 3 91p,9,71,24,21p,27 24 2 - 5 3 - 3 32 - 28 70/35 13785 76 03/23/19 @STL L 58 - 14 - 4 3 - 4 17s,21,91 10 0 - 3 1 - 2 42 - 26 50 - 88 18127 77 03/25/19 BOS W 59 - 14 - 4 5 - 4 91,91,77,86,71 71 0 - 6 2 - 3 28 - 17 88/40 19092+ 78 03/30/19 WSH L 59 - 15 - 4 3 - 6 10,9,86p 19 1 - 3 3 - 5 28 - 35 70/88 19092+ 79 04/01/19 @OTT W 60 - 15 - 4 5 - 2 37,98,21,37,91 21 0 - 3 3 - 4 26 - 24 88/41 13628 80 04/02/19 @MTL L 60 - 16 - 4 2 - 4 91,13 62 0 - 0 2 - 2 24 - 45 31/90 21302+ 81 04/04/19 @TOR W 61 - 16 - 4 3 - 1 91s,17,86 17 0 - 1 2 - 2 29 - 30 88/31 19400 82 04/06/19 @BOS W 62 - 16 - 4 6 - 3 81p,91s,71,86,55,9 86 1 - 2 2 - 2 22 - 33 80/40 17565+

ALL - TIME PLAYOFF SCO RING

PLAYER GP G A PTS +/ - PIM P P SH GW OT S Martin St. Louis 63 33 35 68 7 28 10 3 8 3 165 60 2 8 30 58 14 3 2 8 0 6 2 1 69 63 24 28 52 6 80 8 0 5 2 211 66 22 29 51 - 4 36 11 0 2 0 165 TYLER JOHNSON 64 24 26 50 13 42 2 1 7 2 146 82 7 41 48 7 40 3 0 2 0 172 45 18 29 47 - 7 28 9 0 7 1 170 ONDREJ PALAT 63 20 21 41 5 28 7 1 4 0 114 64 20 20 40 11 70 4 0 5 0 139 Valtteri Fil ppula 47 5 17 22 - 5 4 2 0 1 0 63 45 3 19 22 6 30 1 0 0 0 71 39 10 11 21 3 34 3 0 2 0 88 34 4 16 20 - 3 24 1 0 1 0 55 22 7 11 18 2 2 2 0 1 0 55 BRAYDEN 17 7 9 16 - 6 10 1 0 0 0 37 ANTON STRALMAN 49 3 12 15 - 4 18 0 0 0 0 80 Ruslan Fedotenko 42 12 3 15 - 11 40 5 0 3 0 72 23 5 9 14 - 7 16 6 0 1 0 41 Jason Garrison 40 3 11 14 2 20 1 0 2 1 69 17 2 12 14 7 40 0 0 1 0 27 Vaclav Prospal 22 5 8 13 0 12 2 0 1 0 48 Simon Gagne 15 5 7 12 6 4 0 0 1 0 21 61 6 9 15 - 1 4 7 2 0 1 0 105 Sean Bergenheim 16 9 2 11 2 8 0 0 1 0 46 18 3 8 11 - 3 18 1 0 0 0 26

ALL - TIME PLAYOFF GOA LTENDERS

Goaltender GP W L SO GA GAA SV% 33 21 12 5 66 1.94 .926 36 21 13 5 71 2.09 .927 29 15 11 0 69 2.68 .919 17 10 6 1 41 2.51 .924 6 2 4 0 18 2.92 .893 Mike Smith 3 1 1 0 2 1.00 .958 6 1 3 0 19 3.42 .883 5 1 1 0 12 3.64 .880 4 1 3 0 26 4.86 .837

TEAM RECORDS Overall record: 62 – 16 – 4 Home record 32 – 7 – 2 Road record 30 – 9 – 2 1 - Goal Games: 24 – 3 – 4 2 - Goal Games 8 – 5 – 0 3 - Goal Games 19 – 6 – 0 Scoring first 39 – 4 – 3 Opponent scoring first 23 – 12 – 1 Leading after 1 period 31 – 1 – 2 Trailing after 1 period 15 – 10 – 0 Tied after 1 period 16 – 5 – 2 Leading after 2 periods 3 9 – 2 – 2 Trailing after 2 periods 9 – 12 – 0 Tied after 2 periods 14 – 2 – 2 OT Record - This : 13 – 4 OT Record - Franchise: 158 – 141 – 112 Shootout Record - This Season: 6 – 1 Shootout Record - Franchise: 65 – 5 6 Outshooting opponent: 30 – 9 – 1 Outshot by opponent: 30 – 7 – 3 Even shots: 2 – 0 – 0 vs. Atlantic: 23 – 5 – 0 vs. Metropolitan: 21 – 3 – 0 vs. EASTERN CONFERENCE: 44 – 8 – 0 vs. Central: 7 – 4 – 3 vs. Pacific: 11 – 4 – 1 vs. WESTERN CONFERENCE: 18 – 8 – 4

Month by Month W - L - OT Points October: 8 – 2 – 1 17 November: 10 – 5 – 0 20 December: 13 – 0 – 1 2 7 January: 6 – 4 – 0 1 2 February: 12 – 1 – 2 26 March: 10 – 3 – 0 20 April: 3 – 1 – 0 6 Totals: 62 – 16 – 4 128

Goals by Period

1 2 3 OT T Avg : 102 1 00 110 7 319 ( 3.89 avg.) Opponents: 84 61 73 3 221 ( 2.70 avg.)

Shots by Period 1 2 3 OT T Avg Tampa Bay Lightning: 858 913 817 32 2620 (31.9 avg.) Opponents: 907 882 8 08 36 2 633 (32.1 avg.)

Power Play G Att % Overall: 74 262 28.2 (1st NHL) Home: 3 5 1 4 5 24.1 (5th NHL) Road: 39 1 17 33.3 (1st NHL)

* 3 SH ORT HANDED GOALS ALLOWED (4th NHL)

Penalty Killing

G Att % Overall: 38 267 85.0 (T - 1st NHL) Home: 16 131 86.3 (1st NHL) Road: 22 136 83.8 (5th NHL) * 12 SHORT HANDED GOALS SCORED (T - 3rd NHL)

Penalties

GP Min Avg./Rank 82 779 9.30 (3rd NHL) Goal Situations For Against 5 on 5: 206 1 57 5 on 4: 6 4 3 5 on 3: 8 0 4 on 4: 6 7 4 on 3: 1 0 3 on 3: 6 3 3 on 4: 0 1 3 on 5: 0 2 4 on 5: 10 36 Empty Net: 16 6 Shots: 0 0 Total: 317 228

Individual Leaders

Points: N. KUCHEROV (128 ), S. STAMKOS (98 ), B. POINT (92 ) Goals: S. STAMKOS (45 ), B POINT (41 ), N. KUCHEROV (41 ) Assists: N. KUCHEROV (87 ) , S. STAMKOS (53 ), B. POINT (51 ) PP Goals: B. POINT (20 ), S. STAMKOS (19 ), N. KUCHEROV (15 ) SH Goals: A CIRELLI (5), C. PAQUETTE (2), S. STAMKOS (2 ) GW Goals: N. KUCHEROV (8), B. POINT (7), S. STAMKOS (6 ) PIM: C. PAQUETTE (80), Y. GOURDE (66), N. KUCHEROV (62 ) Shots: N. KUCHEROV (246), S. STAMKOS (234), B. POINT (191 ) +/ - : R. MCDONAGH (+38 ), B. POINT (+27 ), E. CERNAK (+25 )

Shootout Shooter G/S % GDG J.T. Miller 2 / 2 100.0 2 Victor Hedman 4 / 5 80.0 2 Steven Stamkos 2 / 3 66.7 1 Nikita Kucherov 4 / 7 57.1 1 0 / 1 0.0 0 Tyler Johnson 0 / 1 0.0 0 0 / 6 0.0 0

Goaltender Rec. G/S % Andrei Vasilevskiy 4 – 1 3 /1 1 . 786 Edward Pasquale 1 – 0 1/ 2 . 667 1 – 0 1/6 .857

Power Play

Player G A P Brayden Point 20 15 3 5 Steven Stamkos 19 21 40 Nikita Kucherov 15 33 48 5 4 9 J.T. Miller 4 16 20

Short Handed

Player G A P Anthony Cirelli 5 1 6 Cedric Paquette 2 0 2 Steven Stamkos 2 0 2 Tyler Johnson 1 0 1

2018 - 19 Regular Season Highs & Lows

2018 - 19 INDIVIDUAL HIGHS AND LOWS Most Goals, Game: 3 (Multiple players, Last: Killorn - 3/16 vs. WSH) Most Assists, Game : 4 (Multiple players, Last: Kucherov - 12/22 at EDM) Most Points, Game: 5 (Multiple players, Last: Kucherov - 2/18 at CBJ) Most Goals, Period: 2 (Multiple players, Last: Stamkos - 3/25 vs. BOS - 1st PER) Most Assists, Period: 3 (Kucherov - 12/27 vs. PHI - 2nd PER, 12/2 2 at EDM - 3rd PER & 11/23 vs. CHI - 1st PER) Most Points, Period: 3 (Multiple players, Last: Stamkos - 3/20 at WSH - 2nd PER) Most SOG, Game: 10 (Stamkos - 1/17 vs. TOR) Most PIM, Game: 17 (Gourde - 12/18 at VAN) Best +/ - , Game: +4 (Multiple players, Last : McDonagh - 3/16 vs. WSH) Most PPGs, Game: 3 (Point - 11/15 at PIT) Most Consecutive Games With A Goal: 5 (Multiple players, Last: Stamkos - 3/18 vs. ARI to 3/25 vs. BOS) Most Consecutive Games With An Assist: 8 (Point - 12/16 at WPG to 1/3 at LAK) Most C onsecutive Games With A Point: 12 (Kucherov - 12/6 vs. BOS to 1/3 at LAK)

2018 - 19 TEAM HIGHS AND LOWS Most Goals Scored, Period: 4 (Multiple times, Last: 3/21 at CAR - 3rd PER) Most Goals Scored, Game: 8 (Multiple times, Last: 10/30 vs. NJD) Most Goals All owed, Period: 4 (Multiple times, Last: 11/17 at PHI - 3rd PER) Most Goals Allowed, Game: 7 (10/27 at ARI) Most PPGs For, Game: 4 (Multiple times, Last: 11/15 at PIT) Most PPGs Against, Game: 3 (11/17 at PHI) Most PPs For, Game: 7 (Multiple times, Last: 11/ 15 at PIT) Most PPs Against, Game: 6 (Multiple times, Last: 3/20 at WSH) Most SOG, Game: 55 (10/21 at CHI) Most SOG, Period: 33 (10/21 at CHI - 2nd PER) Fewest SOG, Game: 20 (Multiple times, Last: 2/18 at CBJ) Fewest SOG, Period: 1 (10/26 at VGK - 3rd PER) Most SOG Allowed, Game: 58 (3/20 at WSH) Most SOG Allowed, Period: 23 (12/13 vs. TOR - 2nd PER) Fewest SOG Allowed, Game: 17 (3/25 vs. BOS) Fewest SOG Allowed, Period: 2 (11/13 at BUF - 2nd PER) Most Blk/S, Game: 27 (10/26 at VGK) Fewest Blk/S, Game: 7 (Multiple times, Last: 2/7 vs. STL) Most Lightning PIM, Game: 36 (12/18 at VAN) Fewest Lightning PIM, Game: 2 (Multiple times, Last: 1/13 at NYI) Largest Margin of Victory: 6 (Multiple times, Last: 2/14 vs. DAL) Largest Margin of Defeat: 6 (10/27 at ARI)

70 Louis Domingue - G

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS

SAVES : 40 (2x, Last: 11/21 vs. FLA) SHOTS: 45 (11/17 at PHI) : None MOST GOALS AGAINST : 7 (10/27 at ARI)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Appeared in 26 games for the Lightning, posting a record of 21 - 5 - 0 to go along with a 2.88 goals - against average and .908 save percentage. Set Lightning record for consecutive wins with 11 from November 29 through February 19. Set career high for wins . Pos ted wins in 13 of last 14 starts during the regular season. Started 11 consecutive games from November 13 through December 3.

CAREER : Made Playoffs debut in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against Washington in 2018, in a relie f effort, posting seven saves on seven shots.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: SAVES: 7 (5/11/18 vs. WSH) SHOTS: 7 (5/11/18 vs. WSH) SHUTOUTS: N/A GOALS AGAINST: 0 (5/11/18 vs. WSH)

Season Team League GP W L OT SA GA GAA SV% SO 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 26 21 5 0 812 75 2.88 .908 0 CAREER NHL TOTALS 122 55 49 8 3,578 333 2.96 .907 2 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 1 0 0 0 7 0 0.00 1.000 -

88 Andrei Vasilevskiy - G

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS

SAVES : 54 (3/20 at WSH) SHOTS : 58 (3/20 at WSH) SHUTOUTS: 6 MOST GOALS AGAINST: 6 (2x, Last: 3/30 vs. WSH)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Appeared in 53 games for the Lightning, posting a record of 3 9 - 10 - 4 to go along with a 2.40 goals - against average and .925 save percentage and six shutouts. Set career bests for goals - against average and save percentage. Ranked first in the NHL for wins, ninth for goals - against average, tied for sixth for save percentage and tied for fourth for shutouts. Became the Lightning’s all - time saves leader (5,739) passing Ben Bishop with 13 saves on March 25 vs. . Set Lightning record for saves in a game with 54 on March 20 at Washington. Played in his second All - Star Game. Missed 14 games fr om November 15 through December 10 with a fractured left foot. Became the Lightning’s all - time leader for shutouts.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 29 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, registering a record of 24 - 15 to go along with a 2. 68 goals - against a verage and . 9 19 save percentage. Ranks third in Lightning history for most playoff wins. Went 11 - 6 with a 2.58 goals - against average and .918 save percentage in the 2018 . Made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in Game 4 against i n 2015 . Started Game 4 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at , making 17 saves on 19 shots. Earned his first career playoff win in Game 2 vs. Chicago in the Stanley Cup Final in a relief effort. Became the first goalie to win his first career playoff game in a relief effort in the Stanley Cup Final since 1928.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: SAVES : 44 (5/18/16 vs. PIT) SHOTS: 48 ( 5/18/16 vs. PIT) SHUTOUTS: N one GA : 6 ( 5/13/18 vs. WSH )

Season Team League GP W L OT SA GA GAA SV% SO 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 53 39 10 4 1713 128 2.40 .925 6 CAREER NHL TOTALS 208 124 59 15 6329 510 2.55 .919 18 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 29 24 15 0 848 69 2.68 .919 0

5 Dan Girardi - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 (4x, Last: 2/27 at NYR) GAMES PLAYED: 139 ASSISTS: 2 (10/16 vs. CAR) G: 8 A: 28 PTS: 36 POINTS: 2 (10/16 vs. CAR) +/ - : 2 PIM: 38 TIME ON ICE: 23:54 (2/18 at CBJ)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 61 games for the Lightning, recording four goals and 15 points to go along with 12 penalty minutes. Missed 13 games with a lower body injury from March 9 through April 4 . Registered five hits and an assist in season finale against Boston. Recorded a three - game point streak from February 27 - March 5, notching a goal and two assists. Skated in his 900 th career NHL game on December 18 at . Recorded 2,000 th career NHL hit on December 10 vs. NY Rangers. Ranked second on the Bolts with 10 8 blocked shots a nd fourth for hits with 151 .

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 1 39 career NHL postseason games , over 1 1 playoff seasons , recording eight goals and 3 6 points . He’s the NHL’s all - time leader for blocked shots (376) and is 11 th all - time for hits (394). Scored his first career playoff goal in Game 4 at Boston in the second round of the 2018 playoffs . Ranked second on the Lightning for blocked shots (29) and third for hits (37) during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Has on ly missed the playoffs once in his career. Set career highs for goals (three) , assists (nine) and points during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Made his Stanley Cup Final debut with the Rangers in 2014.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 ( 8 x, Last: 5/4/18 at BOS ) ASSISTS: 2 ( 2 x, Last: 4/20/15 at PIT ) POINTS: 2 ( 4x, Last: 4/20/15 at PIT ) T OI: 44:26 (5/2/12 at WSH)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 6 2 4 1 2 1 6 6 12 0 0 0 CAREER NHL TOTALS 927 56 208 264 7 8 314 14 2 13 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 139 8 28 36 2 38 3 0 4

6 Anton Stralman - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 (2x, Last: 12/29 vs. MTL) GAMES PLAYED: 104 ASSISTS: 3 (11/3 at MTL) G: 6 A: 20 PTS: 26 POINTS: 3 (11/3 at MTL) +/ - : 2 PIM: 26 TIME ON ICE: 25:51 (11/3 at MTL) 2018 - 19 NOTES: Skated in 47 games with the Lightning, posting two goals and 17 points to go along with eight penalty minutes. Ranks third on the Lightning for average time on ice ( 20:31 ). Missed 12 games with a lower body injury from March 7 through April 1. Missed 17 games from November 10 through December 13 with an upper body injury.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 104 career postsea son games, collecting eight goals and 26 points to go along with 26 penalty minutes. Has made it to the Eastern Conference Final four times in his career (2014, 2015 , 2016 & 2018 ) . Ranked third on the Lightning for average time on ice ( 22:04 ) during the 201 8 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Skated in his 100 th career Stanley Cup Playoff game in Game 3 of the ECF in 2018.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 ( 6 x, Last: 5/6/18 vs. BOS ) ASSISTS: 1 ( 2 0 x, Last: 5/19/18 vs. WSH ) POINTS: 1 (2 6 x, Last: 5/19/18 vs. WSH ) T OI: 31:57 (6/4/14 at LAK)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 47 2 15 17 12 8 0 0 0 CAREER NHL TOTALS 749 47 195 242 72 251 9 0 2 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 104 6 20 26 2 26 2 0 0

7 - RW

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 (2x, Last: 12/4 at DET) GAMES PLAYED: 0 ASSISTS: 2 (3/5 vs. WPG) G: 0 A: 0 PTS: 0 POINTS: 3 (2x, Last: 12/4 at DET) +/ - : 0 PIM: 0 TIME ON ICE : 15:57 (12/8 vs. COL) 2018 - 19 NOTES: Skated in 70 games with the Lightning during his rookie season, recording 13 goals and 26 points to go along with 26 penalty minutes . Scored first career NHL goal on November 4 at . Rank ed tied for eighth among NHL rookies for goals . Missed six games from December 13 - 27 with a lower body injury. Became 15 th Lightning rookie all - time to notch 25+ points in a season. Recorded a pair of two - goal games.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Looking to make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: NA ASSISTS: NA POINTS: NA T OI: NA

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 70 13 13 26 5 26 0 0 1 CAREER NHL TOTALS 70 13 13 26 5 26 0 0 1 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS ------

9 Tyler Johnson - C

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 3 (10/16 vs. CAR) GAMES PLAYED: 64 ASSISTS: 2 (2x, Last: 1/8 vs. CBJ) G: 24 A: 26 PTS: 50 POINTS: 3 (10/16 vs. CAR) +/ - : 13 PIM: 42 TIME ON ICE: 22:03 (11/19 at NSH)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 80 games with the Bolts, posting 29 goals and 47 points to go along with 28 penalty minutes . Ranked fourth on the Lightning for goals and tied for sixth for points . Tied his career high for goals in a season. Recorded his fourth 20 - goal season. Posted a career - long tying three - game goal streak from March 11 - 16 (four goals). Notched his fourth career regular season hat trick on October 16 against Carolina .

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 64 career NH L postseason games, collecting 2 4 goals and 50 points to go along with 42 penalty minutes. Ranked tied for sixth on the Bolts for points (eight) and second for shots on goal (42) during the 2018 Stanley Cup P layoffs. Paced the NHL for goals with 13 and ranked tied for first () with 23 points during the 2015 NHL Playoffs. Set a new Lightning playoff record in 2015 for most postseason goals in a single year with 13…Ranked second on the Bolts for play off scoring in 2016 with 17 points…Led the Lightning with three game - winning goals during the 2016 playoffs.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 3 (5/18/15 at NYR) ASSISTS: 2 ( 4 x, Last: 4/15/16 vs. DET ) POINTS: 4 ( 4/15/16 vs. DET ) T OI: 24:24 (4/16/14 vs. MTL)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 80 29 18 47 15 28 1 1 4 CAREER NHL TOTALS 469 139 169 308 76 154 27 8 9 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 64 24 26 50 13 42 2 1 7

1 0 J.T. Miller - C

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 (13x, Last: 3/30 vs. WSH) GAMES PLAYED: 57 ASSISTS: 3 (11/21 vs. FLA) G: 3 A: 21 PTS: 24 POINTS: 3 (2x, Last: 11/21 vs. FLA) +/ - : 0 PIM: 44 TIME ON ICE: 21:33 (11/13 at BUF) 2018 - 19 NOTES: Skated in 75 in his first full season with the Lightning, posting 13 goals and 47 points to go along with 30 penalty minutes. Ranked fifth on the Lightning for power - play goals (four) and tied for sixth with four game - winners . Notched his th ird - straight 30+ assist season. Missed six games with an upper body injury from December 29 through January 10.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 57 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, posting three goals and 24 points . Ranked tied for fourth on the Bolts with 36 hits during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Recorded his first career playoff game - winning goal last during 2018 playoffs in Game 5 of the second round. Is one of six Rangers to ever record three assists in one pe riod during a playoff game (4/16/16 at PIT)…Posted a career playoff high with four points (one goal, three assists) against the Lightning in Game 6 of the 2015 Eastern Conference Final.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 ( 3x, Last: 5/6/18 vs. BOS ) ASSISTS: 3 ( 2x, Last: 4/16/16 at PIT ) POINTS: 4 (5/26/15 at TBL ) T OI: 31:05 (5/2/12 at WSH)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 75 13 34 47 8 30 4 0 4 CAREER NHL TOTALS 434 95 140 235 23 186 22 3 23 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 57 3 21 24 0 44 1 0 1

13 Cedric Paquette - C

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 (3/11 at TOR) GAMES PLAYED: 62 ASSISTS: 1 (4x, Last: 2/9 vs. PIT) G: 4 A: 4 PTS: 8 POINTS: 2 (3/11 at TOR) +/ - : - 9 PIM: 105 TIME ON ICE: 15:51 (3/30 vs. WSH)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 80 games with the Lightning, notching 13 goals and 17 points to go along with 80 penalty minutes. Set a career high with his 13 th goal of the season and also recorded nine hits on April 2 at Montreal Recorded a two - goal game on March 11 at . Ranked first on the Lightning and sixth in the NHL for hits with 269 . Led the Lightning for penalty minutes with 80 . Skated in his 300 th career NHL game on February 28 at Boston. Recorded a hat trick on December 18 at Vancouver.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 62 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, posting four goals and eight points to go along with 105 penalty mi nutes. Led the NHL for penalty minutes with 37 during 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Scored his first career p layoffs goal (shorthanded) in Game 6 of the first round against in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs . Led the Lightning for penalty minutes during the 2 015 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 28. Netted the game - winning goal late in the third period of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against Chicago.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 ( 3 x, Last: 6/ 8 /15 vs. CHI) ASSISTS: 1 ( 3 x, Last: 5/8/16 vs. NYI ) POINTS: 1 ( 6 x, Last: 5/8/16 vs. NYI ) T OI: 18:32 (5/1/15 at MTL)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 80 13 4 17 7 80 0 2 1 CAREER NHL TOTALS 316 40 27 67 - 1 303 0 5 7 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 62 4 4 8 - 9 105 0 1 1

17 Alex Killorn - C 2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 3 (3/16 vs. WSH) GAMES PLAYED: 64 ASSISTS: 2 (3x, Last: 3/2 vs. OTT) G: 20 A: 20 PTS: 40 POINTS: 3 (3/16 vs. WSH) +/ - : 11 PIM: 70 TIME ON ICE: 19:56 (12/10 vs. NYR)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in all 82 games with the Lightning, posting 18 goals and 40 points to go along with 45 penalty minutes. Skated in all 82 games for the third time in his career. Ranked seventh on the Lightning for goals and ninth for points. Recorded first career hat trick on March 16 versus Washington, his fifth multi - goal game of his career. Skated in 500 th career NHL game on February 28 at Boston. Passed for seventh - most g ames played in Lightning history (492) on February 10 at Florida.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 64 career NHL playoff games , recording 20 goals and 40 points to go along with 70 penalty minutes. Ranked second on the Lightning with three power - play goals during 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ranked tied for fourth on the Bolts for goals during the 2016 playoffs. Ranked first among Lightning forwards for average time on ice (20:10) during the 2015 playoffs. Ranked tied for sixth in the NHL with nine playoff goals in 2015 .

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 2 ( 2x, Last: 4/14/18 vs. NJD ) ASSISTS: 2 ( 3x, Last: 5/20/16 vs. PIT ) POINTS: 3 (5/18/15 at NYR) T OI: 26:47 (5/1/15 at MTL)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 82 18 22 40 22 45 2 1 2 CAREER NHL TOTALS 517 105 156 261 59 313 16 3 19 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 64 20 20 40 11 70 4 0 5

18 Ondrej Palat - LW

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 (12/8 vs. COL) GAMES PLAYED: 63 ASSISTS: 2 (3x, Last: 2/16 vs. MTL) G: 20 A:21 PTS: 41 POINTS: 2 (4x, Last: 2/16 vs. MTL) +/ - : 5 PIM: 28 TIME ON ICE: 19:44 (2/5 vs. VGK)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 64 games with the Lightning, posting eight goals and 34 points to go along with 20 penalty minutes. Ranked tied for seventh on the Lightning for assists . Missed 16 games with a lower body injury from October 27 through November 27. Posted a five - game assist streak from October 13 - 21, tying his career high.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 63 career NHL playoff games, registering 20 goals and 41 points. Ranked fourth on the Lightning for goals (six) and points (12) during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Has recorded four game - winning goals over the past two playoff seasons . Ranked tied for first during the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs with four power - play goals . Ranked second on the Lightning and third in the league with 80 hits during the 2015 pla yoffs.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 2 ( 5/2/18 vs. BOS ) ASSISTS: 2 ( 4/12/18 vs. NJD ) POINTS: 3 (2x, Last: 4/12/18 vs. NJD ) T OI: 28:13 (5/1/15 at MTL)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 64 8 26 34 4 20 2 0 0 CAREER NHL TOTALS 427 93 194 287 106 129 18 6 16 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 63 20 21 41 5 28 7 1 4

21 Brayden Point - C

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 3 (11/15 at PIT) GAMES PLAYED: 17 ASSISTS: 4 (10/30 vs. NJD) G: 7 A: 9 PTS: 16 POINTS: 5 (10/30 vs. NJD) +/ - : - 6 PIM: 10 TIME ON ICE: 24:58 (10/6 vs. FLA)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 79 games for the Lightning, registering 41 goals and 92 points to go along with 28 penalty minutes. Ranked second on the Lightning for goals, third for assists and points. Ranked tied for sixth in the NHL for goals and 12 th for points. Led NHL for power - play goals with 20 and is tied for sixth for power - play points (35) . Ranked second in the NHL for shooting percentage (21.5%) . Set career highs for goals, assists and points.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Skated in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff games in his first career postseason, recording seven goals and 16 points. Made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in Game 1 of the first round against New Jersey. Ranked tied for second on the Bolts for points and tied for first for goals. Recorded three multi - point games during Eastern Conference Final versus Washington. Matched Lightning franchise record for points in a playoff game with four in Game 2 versus Boston in the second round.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: N/A ASSISTS: N/A POINTS: N/A T OI: N/A

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 79 41 51 92 27 28 20 0 7 CAREER NHL TOTALS 229 91 107 198 49 66 30 3 21 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 17 7 9 16 - 6 10 1 0 0

24 Ryan Callahan - RW

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 (7x, Last: 3/21 vs. CAR) GAMES PLAYED: 119 ASSISTS: 2 (12/4 at DET) G: 20 A: 19 PTS: 39 POINTS: 2 (2x, Last: 1/3 at LAK) +/ - : 6 PIM: 85 TIME ON ICE: 15:34 (11/8 vs. NYI)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 52 games with the Lightning, recording seven goals and 17 points to go along with 14 penalty minutes. Three of his seven goals were game - winners . Tallied 200 th career NHL assist on March 25 vs. Boston. Missed first four games of the season with an upper body injury.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has skated in 119 caree r Stan ley Cup Playoff games, posting 20 goals and 3 9 points to go along with 8 5 penalty minutes. Ranks fifth all - time in the NHL for playoff hits (446) and is the Lightning’s all - time playoff leader for hits with 219. Has recorded six goals and 1 5 points g over three postseasons with the Bolts . Has l ed the Lightning for hits during the past three postseasons: 2018 playoffs (57), 2016 playoffs (63) and 2015 playoffs (83).

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 2 (4/17/07 vs. ATL) ASSISTS: 2 (6/6/15 vs. CHI) POINTS: 2 ( 5 x, Last: 5/19/18 vs. WSH ) T OI: 41:48 (5/2/12 at WSH)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 52 7 10 17 7 14 1 0 3 CAREER NHL TOTALS 757 186 200 386 5 428 61 7 36 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 104 18 18 36 5 81 6 1 2

27 Ryan McDonagh - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 (9x, Last: 3/21 at CAR) GAMES PLAYED: 113 ASSISTS: 3 (11/4 at OTT) G: 10 A: 36 PTS: 46 POINTS: 3 (3x, Last: 11//21 vs.FLA) +/ - : 5 PIM: 55 TIME ON ICE: 29:13 (3/30 vs. WSH)

2018 - 19 : Played in all 82 games during his first full season with the Lightning, posting nine goals and 46 points to go along with 34 penalty minutes. Ranked second in the NHL with a plus - 38 rating. Ranked second on the Bolts defense for points and goals . Set career highs for points and assists . Posted a season - best four - game point streak from March 21 - 30 (one goal, four assists).

CAREER PLAYOFFS: H as s kated in 113 career playoff games, notching 10 goals and 46 points. Played in his 100 th career playoff game in Game 4 against New Jersey in the first round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Led the Bolts for blocked shots with 35 in 2018 playoffs. Set career highs for games played (25), goals (four), assists (13) and points (17) when the Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. Led the Rangers for average time on ice during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs (27:21). Posted a career - best four - point game with a g oal and three assists on May 17, 2014 against the .

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 ( 10x, Last: 5/6/17 at OTT ) ASSISTS: 3 ( 5/17/14 at MTL ) POINTS: 4 ( 5/17/14 at MTL ) T OI: 53:17 (5/2/12 at WSH)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 82 9 37 46 38 24 0 0 1 CAREER NHL TOTALS 612 62 225 287 180 255 9 4 11 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 113 10 36 46 5 55 5 0 2

37 Yanni Gourde - LW

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 (4/1 at OTT) GAMES PLAYED: 17 ASSISTS: 3 ( 10/30 vs. NJD) G: 2 A: 5 PTS: 7 POINTS: 3 ( 2x, Last: 4/1 at OTT ) +/ - : 0 PIM: 8 TIME ON ICE: 20:36 ( 10/27 at ARI )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 80 games with the Lightning, recording 22 goals and 48 points to go along with 66 penalty minutes. Ranked fifth on the Lightning for goals and points. Notched his second career 20 - goal season. Ranked fourth on the Bolts with five power - play goals. Posted fiv e game - winning goals, ranking tied for fourth on the Lightning. Registered a career - best six - game point streak from October 11 - 21 (four goals, four assists).

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Made Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in 2018, recording a pair of goals and seven po ints in 17 games. Ranked second among all NHL rookies for scoring through the 2018 ECF. Scored the game - winning goal in his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut against New Jersey in Game 1 of the first round of the 2018 playoffs.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 (2x, Last: 4/30/18 vs. BOS) ASSISTS: 1 (5x, Last: 5/17/18 vs. WSH) POINTS: 2 (4/12/18 vs. NJD) T OI: 17:15 (5/19/18 vs. WSH)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 8 0 22 26 38 9 66 5 1 5 CAREER NHL TOTALS 184 53 68 121 43 126 12 3 11 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 17 2 5 7 0 8 2 0 1

44 Jan Rutta - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 (2x, Last: 11/29 at WPG) GAMES PLAYED: 0 ASSISTS: 2 ( 2x, Last: 3/11 at TOR) G: 0 A: 0 PTS: 0 POINTS: 2 ( 2x, Last: 3/11 at TOR ) +/ - : 0 PIM: 0 TIME ON ICE: 21:38 ( 4/6 at BOS )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 37 games this season, splitting time between the Lightning and Blackhawks, posting two goals and eight points to go along with 16 penalty minutes. Logged a season - best 21:38 time on ice in regular season finale at Boston on April 6. In 14 games with the Ligh tning, notched a pair of assists and a plus - 4 r ating. Acquired by the Lightning from Chicago in exchange for on January 11. In 23 games with Chicago, scored twice and registered six points. Also appeared in 18 games for the , recording three goals and five assists to go along with a plus - 15 rating.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Looking to make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut .

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: None ASSISTS: None POINTS: None T OI: None

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 14 0 2 2 4 4 0 0 0 Chicago NHL 23 2 4 6 0 12 0 0 0 Syracuse AHL 18 3 5 8 - 10 - - - Rockford AHL 8 1 3 4 - 2 - - - CAREER NHL TOTALS 94 8 20 28 3 40 2 0 1 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS ------

55 Braydon Coburn - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 ( 10/30 vs. NJD) GAMES PLAYED: 132 ASSISTS: 2 ( 2x, Last: 4/1 at OTT) G: 3 A: 28 PTS: 31 POINTS: 2 ( 5x, Last:4/6 at BOS ) +/ - : - 7 PIM: 113 TIME ON ICE: 23:10 ( 11/29 vs. BUF)

2018 - 19 NOTES : Played in 74 games with the Lightning, recording four goals and 23 points to g o along with 34 penalty minutes. Registered four points (one goal, three assists) over final four games. Recorded most points and assists in a season since joining the Bolts. Posted his fifth multi - point game in the season finale at Boston . Skated in 900 th career NHL gam e on February 9 versus Pittsburgh.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 1 32 career NHL playoff g ames, notching three goals and 31 points to go along with 113 penalty minutes. Ranked second on the Lightning with 19 penalty minutes during 2018 Stanley Cup Playo ffs. Ranked second on the Lightning for blocked shots with 32 during the 2016 playoffs and was fourth in that category with 32 during the 2015 playoffs. Scored the game - winning goal in Game 7 against Detroit in the first round of the 2015 playoffs. Has reached the Stanley Cup Final twice in his career (2010 while with and 2015 with the Bolts).

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 (3x, Last: 4/29/15 vs. DET) ASSISTS: 2 (2x, Last: 4/15/12 at PIT) POINTS: 2 (3x, Last: 4/15/12 vs. PIT) T OI: 33:52 (5/7/10 vs. BOS)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 74 4 19 23 4 34 0 0 0 CAREER NHL TOTALS 924 48 180 228 44 690 10 2 4 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 132 3 28 31 - 7 113 1 0 2

62 Danick Martel - LW

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 ( 2x, Last: 12/5 vs. NYI) GAMES PLAYED: 0 ASSISTS: 1 ( 5x, Last: 3/6 vs. FLA) G: 0 A: 0 PTS: 0 POINTS: 1 ( 7x, Last: 3/6 vs. FLA ) +/ - : 0 PIM: 0 TIME ON ICE: 21:42 ( 12/5 vs. NYI )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in nine games with the Lightning, posting a pair of assists and eight penalty minutes. Recorded first career NHL point (assist) on December 28 at Vancouver. Made Lightning debut on November 10 versus Ottawa. Claimed off from P hiladelphia on September 22. Also skated in four games with the Syracuse Crunch, notching an assist.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Looking to make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: None ASSISTS: None POINTS: None T OI: None

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 9 0 2 2 3 8 0 0 0 Syracuse AHL 4 0 1 1 - 6 - - - CAREER NHL TOTALS 1 3 0 2 2 2 8 0 0 0 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS ------

71 Anthony Cirelli - C

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 (12/10 vs. NYR) GAMES PLAYED: 17 ASSISTS: 1 ( 19x, Last: 3/23 at STL) G: 2 A: 1 PTS: 3 POINTS: 2 ( 4x, Last: 3/18 vs. ARI ) +/ - : 1 PIM: 4 TIME ON ICE: 19:56 ( 3/20 at WSH )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in all 82 games in his first full season with the Lightning, recording 19 goals and 39 points to go along with 34 penalty minutes. Ranked tied for second in the NHL with five shorthanded goals . Ranked sixth among NHL rookies for points. Posted a car eer - best six - game point streak from March 16 - 25 (four goals, three assists).Scored five game - winning goals, tying the Lightning single - season record by a rookie. Led all NHL forwards for total shorthanded time on ice (22:39) . Led all NHL rookies for face - o ffs ( 951 ) and face - off wins ( 502 ). Played in his 100 th career game on April 6 at Boston. Ranked tied for first among all rookies in the NHL for plus/minus (+25).

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in 2018, recording a pair of goals and three points in 17 games. Scored his first Stanley Cup Playoffs goal in Game 3 at Boston in the second round in 2018. Ranked tied for second among Lightning forwards for blocked shots with 12 during 2018 playoffs.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 1 (2x, Last: 5/17/18 at WSH) ASSISTS: 1 (4/21/18 vs. NJD) POINTS: 1 (3x, Last: 5/17/18 at WSH) T OI: 16:05 (4/18 at NJD)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 82 19 20 39 25 34 0 5 5 CAREER NHL TOTALS 100 24 26 50 36 40 0 5 5 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 17 2 1 3 1 4 0 0 0

73 - LW

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 (12/29 vs. MTL) GAMES PLAYED: 0 ASSISTS: 2 ( 11/17 at PHI) G: 0 A: 0 PTS: 0 POINTS: 3 ( 2x, Last: 12/29 vs. MTL ) +/ - : 0 PIM: 0 TIME ON ICE: 15:00 ( 10/27 at ARI)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 65 games with the Lightning, posting seven goals and 20 points to go along with 40 penalty minutes . Set career highs for games played, goals, assists and points. Ranked third on the Lightning for hits with 159 . Skated in his 100 th career NHL game on March 2 versus Ottawa.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Looking to make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.

CAREER PLAYO FF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: None ASSISTS: None POINTS: None T OI: None

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 65 7 13 20 10 40 2 0 3 CAREER NHL TOTALS 114 13 14 27 0 62 2 0 4 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS ------

77 Victor Hedman - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 ( 12x, Last: 3/25 vs. BOS) GAMES PLAYED: 82 ASSISTS: 3 ( 3/21 at CAR) G: 7 A: 41 PTS: 48 POINTS: 3 ( 3/21 at CAR ) +/ - : 7 PIM: 40 TIME ON ICE: 28:35 ( 3/20 at WSH)

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 70 games with the Lightning, recording 10 goals and 54 points to go along with 44 penalty minutes and a plus - 24 rating. Became Lightning’s all - time leader for games played by a defenseman on January 10 versus Carolina. Led all Lig htning defensemen for goals, assists and points. Notched his sixth consecutive 10 - plus goal season. Missed the final four games of the regular season with an upper body injury. Recorded a career - long seven game point streak from March 9 - 21 (two goals, eigh t assists).

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 82 career NHL Playoff games, posting seven goals and 41 points to go along with a plus - 7 rating and 4 0 penalty minutes. Set franchise record with an eight - game playoff point streak from Game 1 vs. Boston to Game 3 at Washington (one goal, 10 assists) during 2018 postseason. Ranked first on the Lightning and ninth in the NHL for average time on ice during 2018 playoffs (26:0 4). Led Lightning defensemen for scoring during 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Led the Bolts for time on ice each game of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ranked seventh among NHL defensemen for average time on ice during the 2016 playoffs (27:26).

CAREER PLAY OFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 2 (5/8/16 vs. NYI ) ASSISTS: 2 ( 7 x, Last: 5/15/18 at WSH ) POINTS: 3 ( 2x, Last: 5/15/18 at WSH ) T OI: 31:32 (5/1/15 at MTL)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 70 12 42 54 24 44 2 0 4 CAREER NHL TOTALS 696 94 324 418 89 529 15 0 14 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 82 7 41 48 7 40 3 0 2

81 Erik Cernak - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 ( 5x, Last: 4/6 at BOS) GAMES PLAYED: 0 ASSISTS: 2 ( 11/23 vs. CHI) G: 0 A: 0 PTS: 0 POINTS: 2 ( 2x, Last: 3/2 vs. OTT ) +/ - : 0 PIM: 0 TIME ON ICE: 23:14 ( 4/1 at OTT )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 58 games with the Lightning in first NHL season, recording five goals and 16 points to go along with 58 penalty minutes. Ranked first on the Lightning and tied for 19th in the NHL for hits per game ( 3.4 ). Led all NHL rookies for hits ( 198 ) and was tied for first for plus/minus ( +25 ). Made NHL debut on November 13 at Buffalo and scored first NHL goal on Febr uary 2 at NY Rangers. Also appeared in nine games with the Syracuse Crunch, registering two goals and seven points to go along with 14 penalty minutes.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Looking to make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: None ASSISTS: None POINTS: None T OI: None

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 58 5 11 16 25 58 1 0 1 Syracuse AHL 18 7 8 15 - 36 4 0 0 CAREER NHL TOTALS 58 5 11 16 25 58 1 0 1 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS ------

86 Nikita Kucherov - RW

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 2 ( 7x, Last: 3/20 at WSH) GAMES PLAYED: 62 ASSISTS: 4 ( 12/22 at EDM) G: 29 A: 30 PTS: 59 POINTS: 5 ( 2/18 at CBJ ) +/ - : 14 PIM: 32 TIME ON ICE: 27:09 ( 3/25 vs. BOS )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in all 82 games with the Lightning, recording 41 goals and 128 points to go along with 62 penalty minutes. Led the NHL for points, assists and power - play points ( 48). Set the record for most points by a Russian - born player in a season with his 128 th point on April 6 at Boston, passing Alex Mogilny (1992 - 93). His 87 assists are tied for the most all - time in NHL history by a winger (Jagr: 1995 - 96) . Ranked first in the N HL with 3 8 multi - point games. Set Lightning record for most points, assists and power - play points in a single season. Represented the Lightning for the third time at the NHL All - Star Game in San Jose.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Has appeared in 62 playoff games, po sting 30 goals and 59 points to go along with 32 penalty minutes. Led the Lightning for points (17) and assists (10) during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Recorded 10 points in the first round against New Jersey in 2018. Registered three, three - point games during the 2016 playoffs. Ranked tied for sixth in scoring during the 2016 playoffs. Ranked second on the Bolts and third in the league for points during the 2015 p layoffs. Ranked tied for second in the playoffs in 2015 with three game - winning goals, incl uding a league - best two overtime tallies.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 2 ( 6 x, Last: 5/22/16 at PIT ) ASSISTS: 3 (2x, Last: 5/18/15 at NYR) POINTS: 3 ( 5x, Last: 5/22/16 at PIT ) T OI: 25:57 (5/1/15 at MTL)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 8 2 41 87 128 24 62 15 0 8 CAREER NHL TOTALS 447 188 274 462 102 223 54 0 31 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 62 29 30 59 14 32 8 0 6

91 Steven Stamkos - C

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 3 (12/10 vs. NYR) G AMES PLAYED: 66 ASSISTS: 3 ( 11/21 vs. FLA) G: 22 A: 29 PTS: 51 POINTS: 4 ( 4x, Last: 3/25 vs. BOS ) +/ - : - 4 PIM: 36 TIME ON ICE: 23:41 ( 1/13 at NYI )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in all 82 games for the Lightning, posting 45 goals and 98 points to go along with 37 penalty minutes . Led the Lightning and ranked fourth in the NHL for goals. Set career - high for points in a season . Became the Lightning’s all - time leader for goals (384), passing Vincent Lecavalier, on March 18 versus Arizona. Ranked second in the NHL for power - play goals ( 19 ) and second for power - play points ( 40 ) . Became the Bolts’ all - time leader for hat tricks, scor ing his seventh career hat trick on December 10 versus NY Rangers. Scored 10 goals over his l ast 10 games , including posting goals in each of his last four games of the regular season. Notched his fifth 40 - goal season and fourth 90 - point season.

CAREER P LAYOFFS: Has skated in 66 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, posting 22 goals and 51 points to go along with 3 6 penalty minutes. Ranked tied for first in the NHL for power - play goals (six) and tied for second with 12 power - play points during 2018 Stanley Cu p Playoffs. Missed all but one game during 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Game 7 of ECF versus Pittsburgh). Recorded seven goals and 18 points during the 2015 playoffs . Ranked tied for third on the Bolts for points and fifth for goals during the 2015 postseason. Set career playoff bests for games played, goals, assists and points during the 2015 playoffs .

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: 2 (2x, Last: 4/16/14 vs. MTL) ASSISTS: 2 (4x, Last: 4/18/15 vs. DET) POINTS: 3 (4x, Last: 5/3/15 at MTL) T OI: 30:36 (4/20/11 vs. PIT)

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 82 45 53 98 4 37 19 2 6 CAREER NHL TOTALS 746 393 373 766 30 477 145 5 55 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 66 22 29 51 - 4 36 11 0 2

98 - D

2018 - 19 SEASON HIGHS ALL - TIME PLAYOFF STATS

GOALS: 1 (6x, Last: 4/1 at OTT) GAMES PLAYED: 17 ASSISTS: 2 ( 5x, Last:3/30 vs. WSH) G: 2 A: 3 PTS: 5 POINTS: 2 ( 6x, Last: 4/1 at OTT ) +/ - : 1 PIM: 12 TIME ON ICE: 24:37 ( 3/30 vs. WSH )

2018 - 19 NOTES: Played in 75 games with the Lightning, recording six goals and 32 points to go along with 28 penalty minutes . Posted seven points (one goal, six assists) over final five games of the regular season. Logged a career - best 24:37 time on ice on March 30 versus Washington. Ranked third among Lightning defensemen for goals, assists and points.

CAREER PLAYOFFS: Made Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in 2018, recording two goals and f ive points in 17 games. Scored first career playoff goal in Game 5 against the Devils in the first round of 2018 playoffs. Ranked second among Bolt defensemen for shots with 26 during 2018 postseason.

CAREER PLAYOFF GAME HIGHS: GOALS: None ASSISTS: Non e POINTS: None T OI: None

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 75 6 26 32 12 28 0 0 0 CAREER NHL TOTALS 158 15 57 72 24 66 3 0 5 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 17 2 3 5 1 12 1 0 0

Additional Players

33 – D

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 2 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 Syracuse AHL 57 10 33 43 21 61 - - - CAREER NHL TOTALS 34 2 3 5 2 43 0 0 0 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS ------

80 Eddie Pasquale – G

Season Team League GP W L OT SA GA GAA SV% SO 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 3 2 1 0 102 12 3.96 .882 0 Syracuse AHL 43 25 12 6 1194 100 2.37 .916 4 CAREER NHL TOTALS 3 2 1 0 102 12 3.96 .882 0 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.000 0

89 – C

Season Team League GP G A PTS +/ - PIM PPG SHG GWG 2018 - 19 TAMPA BAY NHL 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 Syracuse AHL 68 22 40 62 13 95 - - - CAREER NHL TOTALS 189 28 46 74 1 114 4 0 7 CAREER NHL PLAYOFF TOTALS 10 3 0 3 - 3 41 1 0 1

Lightning Articles in the News from the 2018 - 19 Regular Season

Team Articles

Lightning Tie NHL Wins Record with Victory against Bruins Matt Kalman (NHL.com)

BOSTON -- The Tampa Bay Lightning tied the NHL record for wins in a season with a 6 - 3 victory against the at TD Garden on Saturday.

The Lightning won their final game of the regular season to finish 62 - 16 - 4; they matched the win total of the 1995 - 96 , who went 62 - 13 with seven ties. Six of Tampa Bay's wins came in shootouts, which were not used when the Red Wings set the record.

Nikita Kucherov had a goal and an assist to set the single - season NHL point record for a Russia - born player f or the Lightning, who won the Presidents' Trophy and will have the home - ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Kucherov, the NHL's leading scorer, finished with 128 points (41 goals, 87 assists), to pass , who had 127 points (7 6 goals, 51 assists) for the in 1992 - 93.

The Bruins, who finished in second place behind the Lightning in the Atlantic Division, will have the home - ice advantage against the in the Eastern Conference First Round. David Krejci had a goal and an assist for the Bruins (49 - 24 - 9).

Krejci scored on a 2 - on - 1 with Charlie McAvoy at 14:38 of the first period to give Boston a 1 - 0 lead. Danton Heinen made it 2 - 0 with a goal at 19:40.

Erik Cernak 's power - play cut Boston's lead to 2 - 1 at 4:41 of the second period, and Steven Stamkos ' shorthanded goal tied it 2 - 2 at 12:52. Anthony Cirelli 's goal off He inen's stick gave the Lightning a 3 - 2 lead at 16:59.

Kucherov's goal 53 seconds into the third period gave the Lightning a 4 - 2 lead. Matt Grzelcyk got Boston within 4 - 3 at 14:03, but Braydon Coburn scored on a long wrist 13 seconds later at 14:16 to put the Lightning ahead 5 - 3.

Tyler Johnson scored an empty - net goal at 18:34 with an assist from Kucherov for the 6 - 3 final margin. Edward Pasquale made 30 saves for Tampa Bay; Tuukka Rask finished with 16 saves for Boston.

Lightning wins franchise - record 10th straight game Diana C. Nearhos (Tampa Bay Times)

NEW YORK — The Lightning is knocking down records like bowling pins, but players and coaches aren’t paying attention, even though Tampa Bay got another one Wednesday.

Its 4 - 3 overtime win against the Rangers at was the Lightning’s franchise - record 10th straight victory.

“It seems like every win we’ve had here lately is the quickest to this or quickest t o that, but it doesn’t really get discussed in this (locker) room,” Steven Stamkos said before the game. “We just come into games wanting to win.”

Monday, the Lightning became the fastest team to 100 points in over 40 years.

The Lightning had to work for its past three wins, though, needing to go past 60 minutes each time. The wins against the Sabres last Thursday and the Kings on Monday required shootouts.

In each of the past two games, the Lightning gave up a two - goal lead. Wednesday the Ranger s scored twice in the second period after the Lightning went up 3 - 1 on a Dan Girardi goal 2:53 into the period. It took a rocket from Victor Hedman in overtime for the Lightning to win.

Hedman, Girardi and J.T. Miller pointed out the Lightning needed to b e better in the second and third periods.

“We’re very happy in putting those wins together,” Girardi said about the 10 - game , “but it’s no secret we needed to be better in the second and third. We have 18 more games to figure that out. If we played like we did in the first 60 (games), we’d be fine.”

The Lightning doesn’t have to manufacture motivation against the complacency of a 13 - point lead in the league standings. It points out its flaws.

“I scored a goal (Wednesday). That doesn’t mean I played good,” Miller said. “That’s for sure.”

That’s how the team feels about its play as a whole. The Lightning is looking for wins, but it’s looking for the right kind of wins. It’s looking to play the right way, the way that’s going to win the Stanle y Cup.

Some of the players know what a great season feels like. Several also played on the 2015 Lightning team that reached the Stanley Cup final against the Blackhawks. Five players starred for the Rangers when they reached the Stanley Cup final against the Kings in 2014, and three played for when it won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2015.

But they believe there’s something different about this team. But the details overpower the larger significance.

“You don’t see it coming when you’re involved in it,” coach Jon Cooper said before the game, “until people bring up the historical background of what’s happened.”

Then he hears his team thrown around in conversation with the 1977 and ‘78 Canadiens. Montreal had a dynasty in the ‘70s, particu larly its four straight Cup wins from 1976 - 79. The 1977 team had 132 points, the most in NHL history, and the next year Montreal had 129.

The Lightning is on track for 130 points, which would be the third most in NHL history (the 1995 - 96 Red Wings had 131 .)

“When you step back and think about that … it’s kind of cool,” Cooper said.

When Cooper was talking about stepping back to see where Tampa Bay is in league history, the track this team is on, he started and ended with the here and now of the season.

The Lightning’s place in history may be “kind of cool,” but it might not feel like much without the Cup at the end.

Lightning secure the franchise's first ever Presidents' Trophy Bryan Burns / TampaBayLightning.com

Add another couple of firsts to a historic Tampa Bay Lightning season filled with them.

For the first time in franchise history, the Lightning captured the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top regular season team, clinching the award by virtue of their 4 - 1 victory over the Monday night at .

The Lightning improved to 56 - 13 - 4 (116 points) on the season and are guaranteed to finish with more points than any other team in the League even with nine games still remaining on the regular season schedule.

Tampa Bay will have home - ice advantage throughout the playoffs as a result of their regular season dominance.

The win over Arizona also clinched the Eastern Conference regular season championship for a second - straight season, the first time in team history the Lightnin g have finished as the top team in the East in back - to - back seasons. The Bolts are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the third time overall (also: 2003 - 04).

Along with locking up the aforementioned accomplishments, Tampa Bay also captured its fourth division title in team history to go along with Southeast Division titles won in 2002 - 03 and 2003 - 04 and the Atlantic Division crown earned last season.

The Lightning remain on pace to finish the regular season with more wins than any other team in NHL history. With 56 victories, the Bolts need to win six of their remaining nine games to tie the League record for most victories in a single season, set by the 1995 - 96 Detroit Red Wings (62 regular season wins).

The Bolts also have an out side chance to catch the 1976 - 77 Montreal Canadiens (132 points) for most points ever recorded in a single season in League history.

Lightning clinch playoff berth Bryan Burns / TampaBayLightning.com

The Tampa Bay Lightning punched their ticket to the 20 19 Stanley Cup Playoffs by virtue of Montreal's 8 - 2 loss in Anaheim late Friday.

The Lightning became the first team to qualify for the postseason this season and tied the 2008 - 09 for the second - fewest games (68 GP) needed to secure a playoff spot since 2005 - 06, one game shy of the 2009 - 10 (67 GP).

By calendar date, the Bolts were the fastest to clinch a postseason bid since 2005 - 06.

The Lightning are in the postseason for the second - consecutive season, the fifth time in the last six seasons and the 11th time overall.

The Bolts are looking to win their second Stanley Cup in franchise history to pair with the lone Cup won in 2004.

The Lightning have advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in thr ee of the last four seasons, including a trip to the Cup Final in 2015, and four of the last eight years.

NHL’s Comeback: Loads of Goals and Surprises Tom Perrotta (Wall Street Journal)

Early in the NHL season, the Flames trailed the 4 - 1 to start the third period — the kind of dreary home game that provokes fans to leave early. But these days, there are more reasons to stay.

As in the early 1980s and ’90s, goals are coming in bursts this year. The Flames scored four g oals in less than 14 minutes, then added another one soon after. The final score: 6 - 5, Calgary.

It is making for an entertaining season in the NHL marked by the biggest bounty of goals in years.

In the first 862 games this season through Monday, there have been 6.1 goals per game, the most since the 2005 - 06 season, according to NHL Stats & Information. A team has scored seven or more goals in a game 58 times, the most at this point in the season since 1995 - 96.

Most impressive: Teams are scoring m ore often without the help of penalties. Of the 5,268 goals as of Monday, 76% have been scored at even strength. That’s the highest since the 1992 - 93 season.

Some say this is just the beginning of an offensive rebound the NHL has wanted for years. And the reason, most say, isn’t the new, slimmer goalie pads put into action this season. Jon Cooper, the 51 - year - old head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, said more players than ever before have advanced scoring skills, even though they compete against goalies who are much larger and more flexible than they were in the past. Current league rules make it easier for all those skilled players to score.

“The league has never seen this much skill on every team — everybody’s got skill, everybody can skate,” Cooper sai d. “You couple that with the rules, where you can’t hold guys up and you can’t stick - check anymore. All those things that used to slow players down, those are gone.”

The Lightning have led the way, with an average of 3.8 goals per game and a record of 41 - 11 - 4 (86 points) after Monday’s play. The team leads the league in major offensive categories: 217 total goals, including shootout goals, and success on power plays at 29.1%. The Lightning have 61 more goals than their opponents (217 - 156), the best in the NHL. They also have the player with the most points in the NHL, Nikita Kucherov, a 25 - year - old who has 24 goals and 60 assists through 56 games.

From the 1970s through the early , hockey stars used to score in abundance. led the way, sc oring 92 goals — the all - time record — in the 1981 - 82 season. Gretzky had more than 200 points in a season four times. No one else has ever put up 200, with coming within one point in the 1988 - 89 season.

High - scoring games decades ago had much t o do with goalies, who were different back then. There have always been a few star goalies in the NHL, but there were more men who, essentially, became goalies because they couldn’t survive any other hockey role. They were also smaller: , a goal ie during the mid - 1980s, was a mere 5 - foot - 5 and 155 pounds. Today’s goalies are taller, wider and more flexible — and stronger, too. On average this season, goalies are 6 - foot - 2 and 201 pounds, according to the NHL.

The increasing talent and size of goalie s has reduced goals for decades. But the game is shifting now. Hard - hitting enforcers, once common, are no longer useful. Rules have reduced hits and holds, and skating has changed. There used to be more east - west skating in the NHL. Now, among the best te ams, there are more north - south attacks, built by speed and quick shots.

Mikko Rantanen is a 22 - year - old forward from Finland for the Avalanche. He has 24 goals and 51 assists in 55 games. He’s 6 - foot - 4 and 215 pounds, but excels because of skill and spee d, not bulk. Asked about offense and defense, he explained there’s a difference between players his age and younger compared with older professionals, especially when it comes to learning the game.

“When you’re younger, it’s all about offense,” Rantanen s aid. “I don’t remember any who were doing some defense as part of the practice. We didn’t do any [defensive] zone coverage or things like that.”

Cooper said those differences are the same throughout the league. “If you interview any players, ask how many of them had a skills coach, and then ask them how many had a checking coach,” Cooper said. “I guarantee the answer is going to be lots to zero. Nobody goes to how - to - check sessions. It’s all about skating skill.”

Rantanen also pointed out the importance o f current referees, who fully enforce illegal checks and hits. “Sometimes on the NHL Network they show old games, like the or something,” he said. “It looks crazy how they can play with their sticks and hook guys down with no penalties.”

Despite these changes, today’s stars aren’t comparable with previous scoring leaders such as Gretzky, Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr. Lemieux is the last player to put up 160 points or more in a season, back in 1995 - 96. Since 2000, has posted the highest point total, with 125 in the 2005 - 06 season playing for Boston and San Jose. No player believes Gretzky’s records will ever be beaten.

“I think the numbers and stuff like that will never be touched — ever,” said Connor McDavid, the Oilers star. “The re will never be another Wayne Gretzky.”

Even so, Cooper believes the way hockey is developing now, 150 points is no longer out of reach.

“Do I think players are going to eventually get 140, 150 points again in a season? I do,” he said. “It’s turning that way.”

Lightning by the Numbers: How bonkers was the 2018 - 19 season? Greg Wyshynski (ESPN.com)

The numbers tell the story for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018 - 19: The wins and points in the standings that place them in the conversation for best regular - season team in the history of the National Hockey League. The offensive team statistics that reveal them to be a juggernaut. The individual accomplishmen ts of their top players that will net them some hardware at the NHL Awards this summer. But perhaps the most stunning related to the Lightning's accomplishments? That would $79.5 million. That's the upper limit of the , and Tampa Bay's pay roll was meticulously constructed to be underneath it over the past few seasons.

Keep that in mind while examining these facts and figures about the 2018 - 19 Presidents' Trophy winner. Other dominant regular - season teams in NHL history -- the 1995 - 96 Detroit Red Wings , the 1976 - 77 Montreal Canadiens -- had no such constraints. What the Lightning have done over t he past several months, then, is unprecedented. Here are 25 stunning numbers about the 2018 - 19 Tampa Bay Lightning:

The standings

With 62 wins, the Tampa Bay Lightning tied the 1995 - 96 Red Wings for the most by a team in the regular season in NHL history.

Their 30 road wins are second all - time in the NHL, behind the 2005 - 06 Detroit Red Wings (31).

2019 NHL Draft With a points percentage of .780, the Lightning have the second - highest rate in NHL history for an 82 - game season behind the 1995 - 95 Detroit Red Wi ngs (.799). It's the fifth - best in NHL history for a team with at least 80 games played.

The Lightning are 21 points ahead of the second - place and Boston Bruins , the widest gap between first - and second - place overall teams since the 1995 - 96 Red Wings finished 27 points ahead of the Colorado Avalanche . Tampa Bay is only the second team in NHL history to post four different winning streaks of seven games or more in a single season. The other team? The 1983 - 84 Wayne Gretzky - led Edmonto n Oilers . The team The Lightning were adept at both scoring goals and suppressing opposing goals this season. AP Photo/Chris O'Meara The Lightning finished with a goal differential of plus - 103, the second - highest mark in the past 20 years. The only team w ith a higher rate was the 2005 - 06 Senators (+107).

Their 3.96 goals per game is the highest in the NHL since 1996.

There have been 37 games this season in which they have scored five or more goals, the most by a team since the 1995 - 96 had 41. There have been 19 games this season in which they have scored six or more goals, the most by a team since 1995 - 96, when the Penguins did it 26 times.

The Lightning have tra iled going into the third period 21 times this season, the fewest in the NHL and the fewest times since the 2008 - 09 Boston Bruins (17). The special teams

The Lightning have a power - play percentage of 28.1 this season, which is the highest in NHL history for an 82 - game season. It's the highest overall since the 1987 - 88 Calgary Flames were at 28.5 percent in an 80 - game season.

The Lightning have a 33.0 percent power - play percentage on the r oad, the highest since the NHL began tracking the stat in 1977.

Nikita Kucherov 's 48 power - play points are the most for a player in the past 11 seasons. They also set a new franchi se record for a single season for the Lightning. The rallies

The Lightning could never be counted out. They had 29 come - from - behind wins this season, which set a new record previously held by the 2015 - 16 Washington Capitals , who had 28 such victories. They had a .600 points percentage when trailing after one period (15 - 10 - 0), which led the league, and were the only team over .500 in that situation this season. That's the highest percentage in 20 years.

They had a .429 points percentage when trailing after two periods this season (9 - 12 - 0). That's the best in the history of the NHL for an 82 - game season. The next - best points percentage this season were the Flames, at .250.

The players

Nothing is certain, but it would qualify as a surprise if Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov don't earn themselves some hardware at the NHL Awards this summer.

Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has a career high in save percentage (.925) and goals - against average (2.40) this season in 53 games. He's in a near - statistical tie with of the Montreal Canadiens in goalie point shares, or the amount of points the goalie has added to his team's record, at 12.4. In Steven Stamkos (45), Nikit a Kucherov (41) and Brayden Point (41), the Lightning are the first team since the 1995 - 96 Pittsburgh Penguins ( Mario Lemieux , Jaromir Jagr , Petr Nedved ) to have three 40 - goal scorers. Among the players who set new career highs in points this season in Tampa: Kucherov (128), Point (92) and Ryan McDonagh (46 points). In Stamkos (98), Kucherov (128) and Point (92), the Lightning are the first team to have three 90 - point scorers since the 2005 - 06 season.

Kucherov's 128 points shattered the franchise record, previously set by Vincent Lecavalier (108 points) in 2006 - 07. Kucherov's total is the best of any player in the past 20 years. Stamkos (393 goals) passed Lecavalier (383) this season for most goals by Lightning player in their career in Tampa. Lecavalier needed 1,037 games; Stamkos did it in 746.

Kucherov was the first player in 20 years to hit 120 points in just 75 games and just the fifth player since 1993 - 94 to do so.

Kucherov is averaging 3.3 points per 60 minutes of 5 - on - 5 play, the highest average since 2012.

Kucherov leads the NHL in point shares with 14.3.

The 2019 Lightning Have a Lot in Common with Tampa Bay’s 2004 Champions Ryan Kennedy ()

F ifteen years ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning won their first Stanley Cup after finishing tops in the Eastern Conference. Though they’ve come close a few times sinc e, they’ve yet to clinch a second championship. This year, however, Tampa Bay flirted with one of the best team performances in NHL history, and there are some intriguing similarities between the club that won the Cup in 2004 and the group that’s aiming to lift the chalice this June. Will the story have the same ending? Players from the 2004 champs, some of whom remain with the organization today, and the 2019 hopefuls both know that winning the Stanley Cup is incredibly difficult. But confidence is high ac ross the organization, and if you’re looking for historical parallels, you don’t have to dig too deeply.

TOP - SIX In 2003 - 04, the ‘Big Three’ of Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards and Martin St - Louis led the Lightning with a devastating offensive attack. The 2018 - 19 edition has its own elite trifecta, with captain Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. It’s easy to stick Lecavalier and Stamkos together, as both are first overall picks who came into town on a wave of bellowing hype. Lecavalier was famously billed as the “ of hockey” by then - owner Art Williams in 1998, before struggling to just 28 points his first season. The next year, though, Lecavalier more than doubled that output. Exactly 10 years later, “Seen Stamkos?” billboards went up all over the city for the impending arrival of the team’s next superstar. Yet Stamkos, too, sputtered in his rookie campaign, until failed retread was fired as coach 16 games in. Stamkos eventually finished with 46 points in 79 games and then doubled his output as a sophomore.

St - Louis, meanwhile, was a mold - breaking player for the Lightning, proving that a guy generously listed at 5 - foot - 8 could not only compete, but dominate the NHL and win the scoring race, twice in fact. He paved t he way for the undersized Point, though it’s Kucherov who’s going to become the second Lightning player to win the . Besides, Point actually idolized Markus Naslund when he was young. Not only that, he grew up in Calgary, so his memories of the Lightning’s championship come from living in the losing team’s epicenter. “I remember the buzz around the city,” Point said. “People still talk about it today.” (Luckily, his dad was a Sabres fan, so the heartache felt in the city didn’t hit the Point household.) While the ‘Big Three’ were entering their prime when they won the Cup, Tampa’s current group is in its halcyon days. “There were a lot of young guys who were just becoming superstars,” said , whose only season with the Lightning wa s in 2003 - 04. “The confidence grew with them.”

Stillman arrived in Tampa Bay after three years with the St. Louis Blues. He was expected to replace the offense lost when Vaclav Prospal, the Lightning’s scoring leader the previous season, left for Anaheim a s a free agent. Now coach of the OHL’s , he sees another Tampa team with explosive potential. “On the better teams, it’s a matter of when they are going to take off in a game and score two or three goals quickly,” he said. “That’s common with both (the ’04 and ’19) teams.”

BOTTOM - SIX If there is one marked difference up front between the two Lightning editions, it’s in the style of play among their depth forwards. When GM Jay Feaster began putting together the team that ultimately became champi ons, the NHL was at the tail end of the Dead Puck Era, so two of his first moves were for tough guys: Chris Dingman and Andre Roy. This year, Tampa Bay is in the lower third of the league when it comes to fisticuffs, with talented 5 - foot - 9, 170 - pound Yanni Gourde inexplicably leading the way with three tilts through mid - March.

Nonetheless, both teams relied heavily on their depth. Dingman played all 23 games in the ’04 Cup run, while Roy missed only two. And what the current Bolts lack in pugilism they make up for in talent throughout, from Gourde and Alex Killorn to energetic youngsters such as Mathieu Joseph and Anthony Cirelli.

“It was hard to match against us because we had two powerful lines, but we all know it’s six through 12 that gets it done,” said ’04 captain Dave Andreychuk, now Tampa Bay’s vice - president of corporate and community affairs. “We had a good fourth line, and that’s what is happening with this team. Look at what Anthony Cirelli does on the fourth line, that could be the difference. Whe ther it’s finishing checks, holding pucks in the offensive zone or tiring out the ‘D,’ the depth on this team is pretty good, as the whole league knows.”

DEFENSE & GOALTENDING On the back end, offensive wizard Dan Boyle led the Lightning’s defense corps in 2004, with big also capable of contributing points. Otherwise, it was a solid all - around group, with Darryl Sydor added during the season to be the “g uy who had been there before,” having won a Cup in 1999 with the Stars.

This year’s Lightning are led on the back end by Victor Hedman, who is coming off his first Norris Trophy. He is the team’s undisputed No. 1, but he does have help from Ryan McD onagh and a solid supporting cast behind them, including sophomore Mikhail Sergachev.

Perhaps the most interesting parallel, however, comes in net. Russian stopper Nikolai Khabibulin manned the crease for the ’04 champs, while countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy patrols the pipes these days. But the story goes beyond the No. 1s. “Both teams had incredible goaltending and great backup goalies as well,” said Feaster, who is now Tampa’s vice - president of community hockey development. “Johnny Grahame was very importa nt to us, and Louis Domingue has put up even better numbers this year than Johnny did.”

Indeed, when Vasilevskiy missed 14 games with a foot injury in November and December, it was Domingue who held the fort, winning 11 of 13 appearances in that span. For the ’04 champs, it wasn’t an injury that forced Grahame to step in for a stretch, but solid goaltending from the backup was required nonetheless. “ ‘Khabby’ did not play well in January, he had a bit of a slump,” Andreychuk said. “Johnny Grahame came on, a nd the 36 points he got for our team were essential in us finishing first. Same thing happened here, Vasilevskiy goes down for 14 games and Louis comes in and plays unbelievable.”

COACHING Behind the bench, the Lightning have found success with two coaches known for their big (albeit polar - opposite) personalities: with the Cup champs and now Jon Cooper with the Cup contenders. Tortorella was famous for his “safe is death” mantra during Tampa Bay’s run, and Cooper also presides over a team th at pushes the pace.

“It’s a very businesslike approach, it’s about our team, our system,” Feaster said. “ ‘Torts’ was the same. He wasn’t concerned with what the other team was going to do. If we played our system and didn’t get the result, he’d say, ‘Well , you tip your hat to the other team.’ I get the same sense from ‘Coop.’ ”

DIFFERENCES For all their similarities, however, these two Lightning teams aren’t exact replicas. To begin with, the ’04 champs didn’t have a track record of success. The previous s eason, they’d won the lowly Southeast Division and beaten Washington in the first round for the franchise’s first playoff series victory. But Tampa Bay lost to New Jersey in the second round as the Devils went on to win the Cup. “There wasn’t that expectat ion, that history, to indicate we could go all the way the next year,” Feaster said. “The core of this (2019) team has been through it all. They’ve experienced those heartbreaks.”

Much of the current squad has gone through the wringer several times already , beginning with the Cup final loss to Chicago in 2015. In two of the next three seasons, the Lightning lost the Eastern Conference final in Game 7, both times to the eventual Cup champion (first Pittsburgh, then Washington). In the middle, they missed the playoffs, with Stamkos playing only 17 games because of a major knee injury. Last year’s loss to Washington particularly stung, as the Lightning were shut out in the final two games after being up 3 - 2 in the series.

“We got a little snakebit at the end ag ainst Washington,” said center Tyler Johnson. “It would have been nice if we would have been able to close them out early, and that’s something we could have learned, to have that killer instinct right away. Credit to them, they played really well, but in the end there we just couldn’t score. We hit a lot of posts and sometimes there are things you can’t control.”

But adversity can be a good thing. The ’04 champs see a 2019 team with a chip on its shoulder, and the current Lightning club is using its recent playoff failures as motivation. Now, it’s a matter of walking the walk. The ’04 champs cruised through the first two rounds of the playoffs, losing just one game to the before sweeping the Montreal Canadiens. That put them in the best p osition possible heading into a gruelling, physical series against the heavy that went the distance.

“No team won two games in a row,” Andreychuk recalled. “It was back and forth, and it was a dogfight. Game 6 in their building, we’re u p with a minute to go and end up losing. All the discussion on the plane ride home and the next day was about the fact we worked all regular season to get a Game 7 in our building. We had that on our side.”

The 2004 Cup final featured another heavy opponen t in the Calgary Flames. Iginla was the offensive catalyst, while Miikka Kiprusoff was the wall in net. The Lightning knew the Flames would be finishing every single check, and Tortorella did a good job of preparing his team for the onslaught.

After losing Game 5 at home, the Lightning were faced with an elimination game on the road, with the Stanley Cup in the building. A controversial no - goal call on Calgary’s Martin Gelinas elicited groans from the Saddledome crowd that the eight - year - old Point probably heard from his house, and the game went into extra frames. St - Louis scored the winner in double overtime, and then Ruslan Fedotenko iced the series in Game 7 back in Tampa Bay with both Lightning goals in a 2 - 1 Cup victory.

If this year’s installment is going to win the Cup, they too will h ave to get past some heavy teams. Washington knocked them out last year, of course, but Boston will be looking for revenge in the Atlantic Division bracket before that. Can the fancy Lightning win when the going gets rough?

“I know we can,” Johnson said. “We’ve done it in the past. Last year, teams tried to play physical against us and I thought we responded really well. A lot of guys on our team like to play with an edge and people underestimate us in that regard. We’re trying to prepare ourselves for any thing.”

Thanks to their winning ways, the Lightning have given themselves the luxury of pacing themselves this season. A playoff spot was inevitable long before it became a mathematical certainty, and that allowed Cooper to give his top guns a bit of a bre ak. “I think this team has thought about what will happen in the playoffs since November,” Andreychuk said. “Nobody plays more than 20 minutes up front, Hedman’s ice time is down, Vasilevskiy, because of the 14 games (injured), has been rested. The whole y ear has been geared up for the playoffs. Has the lesson been learned? They’ve talked about it.”

And now it’s time to do it. This isn’t a squad that will simply be happy to be there. This season is the culmination of years of building, with a dose of never again thrown in for good measure. Owner Jeff Vinik has provided the franchise with all the tools necessary and GM Julien BriseBois has continued the solid work that began with his predecessor (and now senior advisor) Steve Yzerman.

Feaster remembers celebr ating on the ice after Tampa Bay’s victory in ’04 and tracking down his boss, owner Bill Davidson, for a heart - to - heart. “I thanked him for giving me a chance to manage this team,” Feaster said. “He put his arms on my shoulders, gave them a squeeze and wit h a twinkle in his eye, said, ‘Jay, never in my wildest dreams…’ The difference this year is that I don’t see Mr. Vinik doing that to Julien BriseBois or Steve Yzerman. This is a purposeful march.”

Let’s see if the Lightning can finally arrive at their cov eted destination for the first time in 15 years.

For dominant Lightning, it's Stanley Cup or bust: 'It's our turn' Kevin Allen (USA Today)

The Tampa Bay Lightning hope they completed their study of the psychology of winning the Stanley Cup when they suffered through more misery in the 2018 Eastern Conference final.

“We ran into a Washington team last year and it felt like once they got over that hump of beating Pittsbu rgh last year that they could feel that it was their time,” Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said. “We saw that in Game 6 and Game 7 in the way they responded.”

The Lightning were one win from reaching the Stanley Cup Final last May, but the Capitals won Game 6 at home and then won Game 7 in Tampa to take a giant step toward winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

“With the expectations so high for our group, we came into this season thinking this is our year,” Stamkos said. “It’s our turn.”

Could their solution be as simple as developing a more pronounced swagger?

“With the expectations so high for our group, we came into this season thinking this is our year,” Lightning captain Steven Stamkos says.

It can be when a team has the Lightning 's talent. At 39 - 11 - 2, the Lightning have a 13 - point lead in the Atlantic Division and a seven - point lead for No. 1 in the NHL. They lead the league in offense, averaging 3.87 goals per game.

Nikita Kucherov leads the NHL with 80 points, and Brayden Point (currently day to day) is tied for sixth in goals with 30. Stamkos has 59 points in 52 games. It’s easy to see why this team leads the NHL with a 29.4 percent power - play efficiency.

“For a team to have as much success in the playoffs, but not winning it all, we have a bit of chip on our shoulder,” Stamkos said.

In one of Jon Cooper’s first talks to his Lightning players in 2013 when he was hired as coach, he talked about his hope that the team would play with a swagger.

Their NHL - leading +59 goal - differ ential speaks to their dominance. The Toronto Maple Leafs (+39) are the only other Eastern Conference team within 30 of them.

"There is still unfinished business for us to start talking about what the difference is this season,” Stamkos said.

The caution is understandable, but there is no denying that the Lightning are more polished and formidable than they were in the past. They're certainly more confident than they were when they reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2015 and lost to the .

Stamkos said everyone has grown on the job, even Cooper, who is one of the league’s most personable coaches. It's a profession where gruffness is expected, but players find it easy to talk to Cooper.

“He’s not a yeller or screamer, he gains respect in di fferent ways,” Stamkos said.

He gains respect because his teams are well - prepared and competitive. He is an excellent motivator.

“He has a lawyer background,” Stamkos said, “so he knows how to work a crowd.”

The big question surrounding the Lightning is whether general manager Julien BriseBois will make a move to strengthen their chances. The Maple Leafs have already added a top - four defenseman, and the Penguins made a trade for Nick Bjugstad.

“Everyone think s you have to add someone to put yourself over the top,” Cooper said. “I don’t think necessarily that’s true. In all of these years we have been together, we really haven’t made big deals at the deadline, except last year.”

The Lightning added Ryan McDona gh and J.T. Miller from the last February, and that deal is helping the team this season.

Another thought is the Lightning are going too strong to risk disrupting their chemistry.

“There is something to chemistry,” Cooper said, adding, “I think if nothing at all happens (at the Feb. 25 trade deadline), I don’t think anyone would lose an ounce of sleep.”

Lightning debut alternate jerseys against St. Louis Blues Diana Nearhos and Mari Faiello (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — Cue AC/DC. Th e Lightning is back in black.

Tampa Bay debuted its alternate jersey (the one fans have been asking about for months) Thursday against St. Louis. The color is a throwback to the black jerseys in which the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2004.

The jersey is mostly black, with a silver logo on the chest and grey team crests on the shoulder, both as they are on the traditional jerseys. The sleeves feature a grey gradient.

As far as alternate jerseys go, this one does not appear all that exciting. On a vide o shown during the first intermission, an Adidas designer pointed out a gradient effect in the logo, intended to evoke the bright glare of a lightning strike. He also said the gradient represents electricity in the air.

Fans watching on TV found the numbe rs hard to read. . The black theme continued throughout the arena. As is the norm on a theme night, the scoreboard fell in line with a black stamped metal effect. Even the coaching staff all wore black suits and the equipment and medical staffs exchanged their blue jumpsuits for black ones.

To go along with the new jerseys, which will be worn each of the remaining six Saturday home games, the Lightning launched a dramatic intro video. It felt more like an overdone superhero’s backstory or maybe something straight from Mount Olympus.

“A furious force that cannot be contained suddenly breaks free, striking without warning without prejudice, lighting the night with the ferocity of its flash and shaking the earth with its inevitable roar,” the video ended. “From the darkness comes the Lightning. From the Lighting comes the thunder.”

The team gave no word prior, but the secret wasn’t exactly well - kept.

The Lightning has been practicing in black pants with a grey silver bolt, and the goalies in black and grey pads, for a few days now. Thursday’s morning skate featured a new addition. Forwards wore grey practice jerseys instead of the usual blue and white. Also, instead of the normal blue nameplates, the names were printed in grey metal effect on a bla ck background.

Additionally, the jersey leaked back in November. It, and a couple of other teams’, temporarily appeared on the NHL’s international shop website.

Tampa Bay also launched a full retail line. That includes the expected clothing, things like flags and cups, as well as items more unusual items like a skateboard.

Lightning looks to collaboration to elevate Community Heroes Ernest Hooper (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — They deserved to be honored.

Again.

They deserved to be celebrated.

Again.

They deserved to be saluted for their efforts to strengthen our community and improve the lives of our most deserving residents.

Again.

If Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik simply chose to gather winners of his Lightning Community Hero Award program for a festive reunion, it would have been enough. After all, he’s already given 366 Tampa Bay residents $50,000 each over the last eight years.

If you’re not good at math, that’s $18.3 million in philanthropic donations that has aided more t han 500 nonprofit organizations in the market. Each winner received the royal treatment at a Lightning home match: a pregame tour of the arena, including a meeting with a player and, when he’s present, Vinik; seats in a suite for family and friends and a v ideo presentation played before a sellout audience and on the Fox Sports Sun broadcast.

Why not get the winners together and have a hoedown? They deserve it.

Vinik, however, crafted a better idea in staging the gathering of greats at the Yuengling Center Sunday night. He not only brought together former winners and their guests — more than 450 people — but he invited them to collaborate, to share ideas, to create a collective of innovative goodwill.

It was brilliant.

Although a personal issue pulled Vin ik away from the event at the last minute, team officials strategically seated related nonprofits together. After some salutatory greetings, the “heroes” began swapping ideas, sharing stories and talking missions.

The result of the collaborative conversat ions remains to be seen, but officials have already received dozens of emails from nonprof its about possible connections.

“We love our Community Heroes,” said Elizabeth Frazier, the Lightning’s senior vice president of philanthropy and community initiativ es. “We also want to take it to the next level, and we know collaboration among this great group of heroes will make an even bigger impact.”

The new networking component should prove to be an awesome addition, but not all that surprising. Under Frazier’s guiding hand, the program has morphed into not only a game - day ritual, but a feel - good force for philanthropic organizations.

Frazier was humbled when the heroes gave her a standing ovation. But she deserved it.

The game - changing funding matters, but so too does the validation. The design of the program has always been about more than just handing out checks. The video presentation aims to illuminate the nonprofit and share the heartwarming story behind the mission with all the team’s fans.

The mantra: “ Inspiration that sparks investment to make an impact.”

And that inspiration cannot be measured or overestimated. Consider this: former Florida Gov. Bob Martinez, himself a community hero, sat at a table with educators, appropriate given that he once taugh t social studies.

Eric Johnson, a former U.S. Marine who now teaches at Wendell Krinn Technical High School in New Port Richey, sat across from Martinez beaming with admiration. A 2013 Community Hero for organizing a massive relief effort for Haiti, Johns on shared that Martinez addressed his class when he was a student at Young Junior High in Tampa.

The governor spoke of being the first person in his family to graduate from high school and college, and that inspired Johnson to get serious about education and turn his life around. Now he passes on those same lessons to his students.

Just two more heroes who deserve to be honored.

Again.

That’s all I’m saying.

Julien BriseBois Articles

Meet the former tax lawyer taking over for Lightning GM S teve Yzerman Martin Fennelly (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — It felt as if a thousand tons of bricks fell on the Lightning on Tuesday.

Bye - bye, Stevie Y.

Underneath it was the new general manager.

Julie B?

J.B.?

Um, not so much. Make it Julien, Julien BriseBois.

The new man isn't a headliner. He also isn't new. The seventh GM in Lightning history has been here all along, brought in by the legend he then worked alongside for eight years.

And he can do this job, whether Yzerman stays on as GM whisperer or rides off to the Red Wings.

For all the seismic news on the eve of training camp, there was a seamlessness to Tuesday. It spoke to Lightning owner Jeff Vinik's confidence that one of the best - run franchises in sports will keep humming with 41 - year - old BriseBois running things.

First sign: the opening news conference. True to the new man's nature (like Yzerman before him) there were no bells or whistles. You often see family in the front row at the big hires, proud, beaming. Brisebois' family, his wife Marie, their young sons, Justin and Jacob, were not present. GM's call.

"This isn't about me. It's about the Lightning," BriseBois said. "This isn't Julien BriseBois' day. It's an announcement. It's business as usual at work and it's business as usual at home. Right now — what time is it, 4:30? — my boys should be doing homework. Maybe they saw the presser. But it's business as usual for everyone."

Oh, and he can do this job.

BriseBois inherits a team poised to follow through on Yzerman's origi nal plan of producing another Cup winner in Tampa Bay. He came up short. The new GM has no choice. It's win or else, right off the puck drop. That goes for Lightning coach Jon Cooper and his staff, for everyone in the Bolts dressing room.

BriseBois is a l awyer by training. He and former lawyer Cooper could form their own firm, Brisbois & Cooper. First case: Lightning v. Lord Stanley.

The new man has been in demand as a GM over the years, including in Montreal, where BriseBois cut his teeth in Canadiens up per management for nine years. Former Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke probably would have considered BriseBois as GM material for expansion . And for good reason.

BriseBois has worked hand - in - hand with Yzerman in Tampa, so much so that you didn't know wh ose hand it was. BriseBois wasn't out getting the coffee. He was all in, the silent partner. Contracts. Arbitration. Drafts. Development. Salary Cap. He can do this job.

It was BriseBois who helped Yzerman find Cooper in Green Bay of the USHL to help guid e the then Lightning affiliate in Norfolk to an AHL title in 2012. Cooper was at Tuesday's news conference.

"People say Jon Cooper coached that team," Cooper said. "Julien BriseBois built it. He has spent eight fantastic years with Steve. Julien is a spon ge, and he's learning from the best, and now he's getting his chance to shine."

It was BriseBois who helped develop a lot of the Lightning's bounty of farm talent, who helped spot talent like and Yanni Gourde in other organizations, ready for the picking.

He never played or coached professional hockey. He has a law degree and business degree. He isn't in the . He would prefer to stay in the background. Yzerman could never do that.

BriseBois will have to manage to salary cap, especially after superstar Nikita Kucherov's extension kicks in next year. And Cooper needs a new contract. Or not. BriseBois will have to manage and steer the Lightning roster toward a championship, even if it doesn't mean organizing a search party for .

"In any job, the name of the game is winning," BriseBois said. "You're going to have to win. If anything, at least we're built to win right now."

But: He was to win right now.

"Usually, you get a GM job you're building something, laying the foundations," BriseBois said. "In my case, it's more about putting on the finishing touches. It's a lot more work for a smaller increment of improvement that we're looking for at this point."

They're looking for a Cup.

That's a long way from when a young BriseBois, fresh from law school in Montreal, had different dreams.

"The truth is my plan … was to be a tax lawyer," he said. "And I did get a job at a major law firm out of law school."

He told the head tax lawyer at the firm his plans. The man said, "Look, you don't want to do that." The man gave BriseBois a complicated tax case to work on and asked for a memo the following Monday.

"Sir, I will prove you wrong," BriseBois told him.

That following Monday …

"I handed him the memo and said, 'Sir, you were right,'" BriseBois said with a grin.

That wasn't the job for him.

Is this?

Everyone is watching. It's life in the NHL, fast, furious, unforgiving. The seventh GM in Lightning history smiled. Then he went off to do more homework , while hoping his boys were back home doing the same. Camp starts Thursday. Business as usual.

Five Questions with Julien BriseBois

The latest edition features Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois.

TAMPA -- When Julien BriseBois needs a sounding board this season, he often turns to his predecessor and mentor, Steve Yzerman.

"I learned so much from working with him for the previous eight years, so why wouldn't I?" BriseBois said. "You can bounce things off him. He's seen a lot of things, so it helps in the decision - making process."

Yzerman stepped down as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sept. 11 and was replaced by BriseBois, his assistant for the previous eight seasons. Yzerman now serves as a senior advis er.

The transition has been a seamless one.

One season after reaching the Eastern Conference Final, the Lightning (35 - 9 - 2) lead the NHL with 72 points and seem poised for another deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"That's the goal," BriseBois said. " From the moment we were eliminated in the third round by the Washington Capitals last spring, the goal was for all of us to get better.

"I think we've done that. I think our team is better. So many guys have taken their games the next step - Yanni Gourde , Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, the list goes on and on - and that's encouraging. They've worked for it."

Tampa Bay has advanced to the Eastern Conference Final three times in the past four seasons and was eliminated last season by the Capitals in a sev en - game series. In 2015, the Lightning lost a six - game Stanley Cup Final to the Chicago Blackhawks.

With the NHL season past its midway point, the 41 - year - old recently spoke on a handful of key issues with NHL.com.

Here are Five Question s with … Julien B riseBois:

The passing of the torch from Yzerman's hands to yours has gone so smoothly, both for you and the team. How much do you attribute that to having worked together since 2010?

"A lot. Every day you are picking up stuff even though you might not re alize it at the time, especially over eight seasons. Even this season I still get to pick his brain and work a lot.

"It would be hard to just pinpoint one thing. But I know when I came in I'd been with [the Montreal Canadiens] for a long time. That's the only other organization I'd ever worked for. Steve had been with [the Detroit Red Wings] for a long time. That's the only organization he'd ever been with. And we were able to compare notes. How we did things in Montreal, what worked, what didn't work. Sa me thing with how things were done in Detroit. Eventually Steve molded all of that into a Tampa Bay way of doing things. That's the plan and vision I share with him. And that's the plan I hope to continue and work with."

Victor Hedman was so crushed after your Game 7 loss to the Capitals last spring, he sat in his stall for 15 minutes staring ahead into space and saying nothing. What has been the key to Hedman and his teammates rebounding this season after such disappointment?

"Will and work ethic. It's been there the past few years. I think we have a team whose players believe they can go all the way. I feel they believed that coming into camp this year. I felt the same way. But you have to put in the work. Other teams are feeling the same way. They 're aspirations are just the same as ours. So, I don't know if that's different. What's different is that we go through new experiences and learn from them. We -- players, coaches, management -- have worked to get better. And we'll keep doing that. Because so far we haven't gotten where we need to be."

How active do you plan to be at the NHL Trade Deadline on Feb. 25?

"I'll make a trade if there's one to be made. I don't know what that will be right now. Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller were deadline acquisi tions last year, so the possibility is always there. You can't predict. Some years there are deals to be made, sometimes there aren't."

Forward Brayden Point, who will turn 23 on March 13, can become a restricted free agent on July 1 and is set to get a s ignificant pay day. How difficult could this situation potentially be for the organization?

"He's going to get a nice raise. I don't know what that will be. It's going to be a priority.

"That's the way the game is going these days. The League is younger . There are very few players over 35 now, even over 30. Eighteen years ago when I started, often the older teams were the better ones. They were battle tested. They were experienced. They knew all the tricks. Back then, it was the guys 31 and older who wer e being paid in free agency. But the CBA has changed that since then and so have a lot of other things in the game. Players skill sets are higher, and at a younger age, too. Coaching has changed all the way to the youth level. I have two boys in minor hock ey and all the emphasis is about skill. Agility in skating, agility with the hands, working on the shot. We just have a generation of players who have grown up with that type of teaching and end up being really on skill because they're really, really skill ed.

"Ultimately you want a good team and your good players are going to get paid. If you have to pay good players, well, that's a good problem. What you don't want to do is pay players whose performance doesn't necessarily correlate with the cap space the y're using up. How much value are they bringing to the team? How much bang are you getting for your buck.? That's what you're trying to do."

You like your wings hot and your steaks well - done. You also went to the same school and played baseball growing up with Eric Gagne, who went on to record 187 saves in Major League Baseball. What was that like?

"It was a sports - oriented school (Polyvalente Edouard Montpetit in Montreal). We would go to school from 8 - 12 and then we would work on our various sports. Eri c and I were both in the baseball program. Russell Martin went to the same school. He went to the same program.

"It was a great experience. To this day I still love competing. That's what happens when we have staff hockey. I'm not very good but I give it my all. I was a better baseball player. We were surrounded by good athletes. So, whether we were playing baseball or ball hockey or volleyball or badminton, the level of competition was really high. And I loved that. Still do."

Jon Cooper Articles

In their own words: Jon Cooper Jon Cooper / TampaBayLightning.com

Throughout the season, tampabaylightning.com will periodically talk to Lightning players or coaches to get their first - hand account of a critical moment from the season or just what's on their mind currently.

Today, we hear from Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper, who, on Tuesday (as long as Tropical Storm Michael cooperates), will captain the third installment of his annual Coop's Catch for Kids charity fishing tournament benefitting pediatric cancer research and patient services. In two years, the tournament has raised over $200,000 for the fight against pediatric cancer, and Cooper hopes this year's can generate another $150,000.

As told to tampabaylightning.com beat writer Bryan Burns, Cooper discusses the gen esis of the fishing tournament, what he looks forward to most when he's angling on the water (hint: it's not catching fish) and how he'd like to see the tournament evolve as it continues to grow each year.

"When you're part of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the position I'm in, I feel like it's a duty to give back to the community. You have a little bit of a voice. Plus, the sense of commitment by Jeff and Penny Vinik, it inspires you to do more. You don't know how long your tenure is going to be with the org anization, but while you're here you try to make an impact in a positive way in the community that has given so much to me. Everything came together for Coop's Catch at the Sneaker Soiree back in 2014. That's when I met Tony Colton and just going to that e vent coupled with going to Dick Vitale's Jimmy V Foundation event, I hit those two events back to back in a short time and it struck a chord with me. When I met Tony at the Sneaker Soiree, he and another boy went up to the podium to tell their stories and then they told everybody in the crowd how they'd beaten cancer and were in remission. And it turns out when I met Tony and I talked to him afterwards, he wasn't in remission. That was the type of kid he is. He wanted it to be more of a feel - good story for everybody in the crowd, didn't want anybody to feel sorry for him when in fact he was actually still sick. He was such an inspiring kid. Tony was probably the one child I really got attached to, and, the fact that he's no longer with us, there won't be an event that goes by that we don't think of him and wonder what if. What if we had started earlier? Could we have helped him some more? But I know he was proud of the event, he was proud to come to the event and his legacy will always live on with us. So you know that saying 'when you see the light?' Well I saw the light when I met Tony. Because the one thing about cancer and what really kicked in for me was the year before I started Coop's Catch my father - in - law passed away of cancer. And so then the thought came to me and through my wife Jessie was, 'Okay, we may not be able to save the adults that have lived life, that have had that opportunity to live, but what about the kids that have not had an opportunity to live? And can we help their life, put them in a situation to enjoy the things we've been able to enjoy our whole lives?' It's an awful disease. It's a disease that everybody's affected by. Somewhere along the lines, someone in your family tree has been affected by cancer. We thought there was nothing better than to start with the kids and for any way possible try to give them the ray of hope and an experience and put them in a situation where they can experience life just like every other healthy kid.

This is how Coop's Catch kind of came together. I was actually out fishing with Captain Mike and a couple of our staff members and we were talking, just throwing banter around of what was going to be the best way in this community to raise money. Golf tournaments and events like that were being thrown ar ound, but I wanted to do something that would be somewhat different, something we could get our players involved with, something that maybe hadn't been done as often before but kind of fit with all of the advantages of living in Tampa. And we're sitting ou t in the water and we're like, 'Well, why don't we do this?' And John Tortorella who everybody well knows has won a Stanley Cup here and is not only a great coach but a fabulous human being, he had done something similar to this years earlier. And the bant er continued and all of a sudden it went from fishing tournament to Coop's Catch. It was just a day of ideas. When we started to get this off the ground, I asked Torts if he would record a video for us for our inaugural event, and he was more than happy to do it. He's been part of the inspiration of why this started and he couldn't have been happier that we were going to kind of carry on with something he had been a part of before.

The favorite part of the fishing tournament for me -- because I'm always th e last boat to go out and make sure everything's gone off without a hitch - is when the boats are out on the water and I can tell everybody's having a good time. It's more a sense of relief for me. I want to make sure it's a great experience. People are do nating their time. People are donating a lot of money and putting it towards this cause. I want to make sure they leave that experience, yes, with the ultimate reward that they're giving back, but they're happy to give back and that they had fun that day a nd they got to learn a little bit about why they're donating. There's always that relief part that everybody's happy. When it finishes at the end of the day and you can see the smile on everybody's face, even if the fishing was poor or they didn't catch fi sh, it was the experience they had whether it would be with our players or our staff or how they were treated. It always gives me kind of that warm feeling inside when people open up their wallets to give to pediatric cancer, they were really happy to do s o and this was an event that helped them do that.

So, if that's what makes me the happiest about the tournament, the one thing that doesn't make me as happy is I never catch fish. We've had a couple tough weather days. You're kind of a product of how the weather's going to be, but everybody else is catching fish and I'm not. The fun thing about this is usually we'll have a couple camera crews out there with us. Fox Sports did a TV segment on it, and usually there's a camera following. And we have to make i t look like I caught fish, but I never have. So this year I'm bucking the trend. I'm determined. I'm going to have my game face on. I'm changing up my hat, the clothes I wear. This is definitely game on. I always say I'm being a team player by leaving all the fish in the ocean so everybody else can catch them.

We've raised over $200,000 between the two previous Coop's Catches we've had, and we're hoping this year that we can raise $150,000. I'm really confident we can do so. The great thing would be if som ehow we could expand the tournament. One of the special moments of this tournament is how appreciative I am of our players that take part in this. They volunteer their time. They go out on the boats with fans. I think that's part of, if you expand it, you might lose that experience. I want the people that are involved in this and donate their time and money to be able to have an unbelievable experience. If you get to spend a couple hours on a boat with either Steven Stamkos or Victor Hedman or Ryan Callahan or Andrei Vasilevskiy, how awesome is that? But it takes the commitment from the players. What's great about this organization is everybody's all in. Eventually, because of timing, I would love to get some Rays players involved and some Bucs players but i t's hard because the Bucs are in season. Sometimes the Rays, depending when we have the tournament, they're still playing. It's difficult in that sense but the ultimate goal is in the end are we going to help kids with pediatric cancer? And so far we have. And to be able to raise the money we have in such a short amount of time with the help of the V Foundation and Dick Vitale, who's been a superstar during this whole event, it just makes it unique and I think that's why people keep coming back is because t he experiences they have and how genuine our guys are during the whole event."

Jon Cooper on multiyear contract: ‘I had zero intention of going anywhere else’ Mari Faiello (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — Tuesday afternoon was anything but normal for coach Jon Cooper.

The Lightning announced Cooper’s multiyear contact extension one day after he celebrated his six - year anniversary with the organization and a week after recording his 300th NHL win in 500 games.

To Cooper, the decision to accept an extension wasn ’t a decision.

“I had zero intention of going anywhere else,” he said Friday, speaking about the contract for the first time. “I wanted to stay here; my family wanted to stay here. There was never, ever a point of contention or ever a point of wondering w hat was going to happen.”

Cooper said he has been on the same quest since his job began, to help bring the Stanley Cup back to Tampa Bay.

He thinks a big part of that is who he is surrounded by, specifically naming owner Jeff Vinik, former general manage r and current team adviser Steve Yzerman, GM Julian BriseBois, team chief executive officer Steve Griggs, and former Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke.

“There’s a reason why ESPN voted this franchise the best in sports a couple years ago, and I feel it’s a privilege to be a small part of that,” Cooper said. “Our family’s embraced this community; the community’s embraced us.”

Cooper is the franchise’s winningest coach, with 302 wins, and at six - plus seasons in Tampa Bay, he is the NHL’s longest - tenured coach .

But Cooper doesn’t think about those things, or dream about them, he said.

“I didn’t want to wake up one day and not be here,” he said.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper’s fight against pediatric cancer continues Nick Kelly (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — Jon Cooper stands next to the gray post, hidden from the sight of most who gaze toward the platform in the front of the Lexus Lounge, waiting for his cue.

The emcee then announces his name and hands Cooper the microphone. The couple hundred people in attendan ce for the kickoff dinner for Coop's Catch for Kids meet his entrance with applause.

"Wow," Cooper says. "I can't believe this is Year 3."

He also had trouble believing how many faces looked back at him, there at Amalie Arena on Monday to raise money for the fight against pediatric cancer.

Longtime ESPN commentator Dick Vitale sat in a leather chair two feet away. Rays manager Kevin Cash stood in the middle of the crowd. Next to Cash, many Lightning players watched their coach speak. They all made up wha t Cooper and Vitale described as the event's largest crowd to date.

"The humbling part of this whole experience is the people who come and show their support," Cooper said. "You're passionate about a cause but to watch all the people come and support you and your passion for that cause as well, it's so rewarding."

It's not by accident. Ask anyone involved in putting together the two - day, which included fishing on Tuesday, and they will tell you attendance grows each year because of Cooper's passion in doi ng everything he can to fight pediatric cancer throughout the year.

"We're seeing him blossom into a real Tampa Bay icon," said Charley Belcher, Monday's emcee and a Fox 13 reporter whose daughter beat leukemia.

Said Vitale, "You know he can coach, but he is a quality human being. He cares about giving back."

That became clear when Vitale and Cooper met a few years ago at one of Vitale's annual galas. Cooper called Vitale shortly after. He wanted to do something like that and asked if Vitale could s peak at it.

Vitale said yes and has said yes each year.

"I come here because I know what he's doing," Vitale said. "He's helping kids. To me, there's nothing greater in life than if you can bring a smile to someone's face."

Cooper has certainly brought a smile to Weston Hermann's face on multiple occasions. Vitale introduced Cooper to Hermann, a 12 - year - old Parrish boy whose brain cancer is now in remission, after learning how much he loved hockey.

Vitale called Cooper and asked if he could get a Light ning shirt with Hermann's name on it.

"Better than that, why don't we get the kid to a Lightning game and I will let him skate with the team," Cooper responded.

Not long after, Hermann took part in a Lightning morning skate. He was also the star of last year's Coop's Catch. Now closing in on a year in remission, Hermann was a featured guest again this year.

Cooper's reasoning for giving kids fighting cancer experiences they won't forget is simple.

"I'm 51 years old, so I can look back and have 51 years of experiences to conjure up memories and all of the fun I have had," Cooper said. "I sit there and think about the young child who is 6 or 8 years old and may not be given that opportunity."

"We have a chance to reach out and affect people's lives and ch ange some things," Ryan Callahan said. "He wants us to do that, and I think he leads by example with it."

Cooper leads by example as he's inspired by Tony Colton, who died from cancer at the age of 17 in 2017. Colton did everything from serving as a spoke sperson for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation to lobbying on Capitol Hill during his seven - year battle, and got Cooper's attention at the 2015 Sneaker Soiree in Tampa.

Colton soon became the inspiration for Coop's Catch.

He continues to inspire Cooper toda y as the coach grows support and funds for the fight against pediatric cancer. Cooper's legacy in Tampa might be growing because of these efforts, but that's not his goal. All he is trying to do is fulfill a promise he made to Colton in his hospital room d uring his final days.

"I will do everything in my power," Cooper told him, "to continue the fight."

The World According to Coop Ken Campbell (The Hockey News)

C’mon, let’s go for a walk.”

It’s the Friday morning of all - star weekend, and Jon Cooper is on a quest for one of those breakfasts that doesn’t cost much money, fills you to the gills and plays havoc with your cholesterol. Looking down at his phone to get his bearings, he receives a brush from a university kid on a power scooter. “They just ordered 1,800 of them in Tampa,” he says. “They’re a nuisance.”

After changing course a couple of times, he settles on a spot called Peanuts Deluxe Cafe on San Fernando Street across from San Jose State University. It’s a place that really isn’t so d eluxe but has a ton of ambience and character, where people are drinking beer at noon on a Tuesday. It reminds him of the dive bars he likes to frequent, places like Shale’s Cafe in Pittsburgh and Four Green Fields back home in Tampa. If he’s looking for a good pub, he’ll go to Yelp and punch in “dive bar” for a recommendation. “It’s where people are the most real,” he says. “They’re not afraid of what they do and who they are.”

Spend any time around Cooper, and it quickly becomes clear he could just as ea sily be talking about himself. Comfortable in his own skin? You bet. Rarely gets flustered, at least publicly. Enjoys a good beer, likes kibitzing and, as we’ve learned during his NHL tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning – which, by the way, is currently th e longest with the same team – he’s a very good coach. He’s euphemistically been referred to as the most interesting man in the world, which is a little cliche, but it kind of fits, amirite? He says it’s because he didn’t play left wing for the Chicago Bla ckhawks for 10 years but, last time we checked, 14 of the 31 men currently occupying an NHL bench never skated so much as one shift in the best league in the world. So it has to be more than that. Cooper is a guy who went to law school, passed the bar exam in Michigan by the skin of his teeth and made his entry into the hockey world by defending players from Michigan State who got into trouble. There’s a lot to mine there, particularly with someone as ebullient as Cooper, who just happens to be in the mood to share his story.

Cooper goes with No. 58 on the menu, a massive concoction of eggs, home fries and toast. You get down to the guts of the conversation and, no lie, the following thing happens: just as you ask Cooper about his moral compass, what makes him tick, what guides him in life, an elderly woman tries to get through the door of the Peanuts Deluxe Cafe with a walker. The NHL coach immediately jumps from his spot, holds the door open and guides the woman all the way to her seat. “Your recorder will never pick that up,” Cooper says. “But that’s how I try and live my life.”

For the past 51 - and - a - half years, Cooper has led something of a charmed existence. The son of the owner and operator of R.J. Cooper Construction Ltd., in Prince George, B.C., Coop er played varsity lacrosse, went to law school, was a public defender and later a criminal attorney, then coached his way up from a team that literally played in a barn to a team that carries the heaviest Stanley Cup expectations this season. He has learne d a few things about himself and about life along the way. So, over breakfast at a dive diner in San Jose, he shares some of the pearls of wisdom he has picked up.

Without further ado, here is The World According to Coop:

1. Aretha Franklin was right, it ’s all about the ‘R’ word

Much of this comes from knowing what you don’t know, and Cooper, who came into the NHL as a hotshot coach who thought he could conquer this league, realizes how little he knows the more he coaches. Respect is key – to fellow coac hes, to the game, to officials and, most of all, to the players who go out and lay it on the line every game. “You have to respect your players, you have to respect their talent, and you have to respect the path that they took to get there,” Cooper says. “ You have to work to earn their respect.”

Mission accomplished in Tampa so far. As Lightning star Steven Stamkos points out, it’s easy to be as laid - back as Cooper is when things have gone as well as they have for as long as they have. But regardless of ho w things are going, the Lightning go to the rink knowing what to expect from their leader. Some coaches thrive on creating chaos and by playing mind games, but Cooper, partly because he didn’t play left wing for the Chicago Blackhawks for 10 years, knows y ou can’t be something you’re not. So he’d prefer to do most of his coaching behind closed doors in 1 - on - 1 meetings with players. “He’s not a yeller, he’s not a screamer,” Stamkos says. “He gains respect in different ways in terms of having those relationsh ips with players where they want to go out and play for him.”

YOU HAVE TO RESPECT YOUR PLAYERS, YOU HAVE TO RESPECT THEIR TALENT, AND YOU HAVE TO RESPECT THE PATH THAT THEY TOOK TO GET THERE. YOU HAVE TO WORK TO EARN THEIR RESPECT – JON COOPER

2. Be true to yourself

This one, like many of Cooper’s other life lessons, comes out of a pretty good yarn. In his second year in the AHL, he coaches the Norfolk Admirals to the championship in a four - game sweep. The only issue was that the Admirals weren’t scheduled to fly home until after Game 5, so they were stranded in Toronto for a couple of days. Cooper wakes up with the Calder Cup the next day and gets a call from Lightning GM Steve Yzerman telling him that Oilers vice - preside nt of hockey operations Craig MacTavish wants to interview him for the Oilers’ vacant coaching job. He meets MacTavish at 4 p.m., and the first thing MacTavish does is order two beers. Drinking beer is the last thing Cooper wants to do at this point. Part of the way through their conversation, MacTavish says to Cooper: “The NHL can be a toxic, it can be a toxic environment. Just meeting you, you don’t have that in you. Don’t ever lose that.” And Cooper has heeded those words. “Every time things are going ba dly,” he says, “I think in my head, ‘Craig MacTavish, Craig MacTavish, Craig MacTavish.’ ”

3. Appreciate and embrace adversity

Cooper did not get the job in Edmonton. Instead it went to Ralph Krueger, who lasted one season. Cooper also interviewed with W ashington that summer and lost out to , who lasted two. Cooper went back to the AHL, where he coached for most of the next season before taking over behind the Lightning bench with 17 games remaining in 2012 - 13. “If I take Washington or Edmonton, I don’t think I’m standing here right now,” he says. “I could sit here and say, ‘Jon, you’re a good coach. You would have saved it.’ No way. I wouldn’t have been able to.”

More than 30 years before that, Cooper leaves Prince George to play hockey at Notr e Dame in Wilcox, Sask., thinking he’ll be playing on the AAA midget team because he’s been a star athlete all his life. But it’s a powerhouse squad that features a 16 - year - old Wendel Clark, and Cooper gets cut for the first time in his young hockey career . He seriously contemplates going home but decides to stay. He never makes the top team at Notre Dame in any of his four years there, but he wins the leadership award in his final year and captains the Juvenile ‘C’ team as a senior. Being 15 and getting cu t, then living in a dorm where there was one payphone for 100 kids and the showers started to run cold by 6 a.m. gave him some valuable life lessons. “I would say I went in there a boy and left a man,” Cooper says. “I had to learn to survive, and not in a bad way.”

4. Bet on yourself

Cooper was working in East Lansing, Mich., after five years as a public defender when he got a call from former NHLer , whose wife had attended law school with Cooper. Turns out a kid on the team had been busted for drunk driving and needed legal representation. Cooper took the case and managed to get it dropped, after which Woolley left a stack of Cooper’s business cards on the table in the dressing room and told the players to contact Cooper if they ever got int o trouble. “They all got into trouble,” Cooper says. “They all came to me. It was all harmless. Like, you know, a drunken bar fight or a disorderly or whatever.”

That provided Cooper a conduit into the hockey world, and he started coaching. And he became good at it, guiding a Detroit - area team to a national Jr. B championship and taking over the AAA Detroit Honeybaked midget team. That was when another ex - NHLer, , convinced him to drop his entire legal career and take over some expansion team ca lled the Texarkana Bandits in something called the North . The team played in a rodeo barn and had to travel to Arkansas to practise. Cooper did everything from selling sponsorships to painting the lines on the ice. The Texarkana Band its became the St. Louis Bandits, and Cooper won a championship there, too, before moving on to the USHL, where he won another championship with the . “I’ve always been a bet - on - myself guy,” Cooper says. “I was never afraid to say, ‘F — it , I’m giving up my law practice, and I’m going to start a hockey team. I’m going to go down there and put the boards up and spray the rink and paint the lines and sell tickets and drive a team 120 miles one way to practice. That’s what I’m going to do. I l ove it, and I know I can do it.’ ”

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A BET - ON - MYSELF GUY – JON COOPER

5. Own your mistakes

It’s the day after Game 1 of the 2015 Stanley Cup final, and Cooper, who is clearly not in a great mood after losing the night before, is doing his daily media briefing. Stamkos received 14:37 of even - strength ice time in Game 1, which is seventh among Lightning forwards. When asked why, Cooper becomes testy, answers the question and leaves. “That was where you were the a – hole who asked that question , right?” Cooper says. “But it was a learning experience for me. You have to be prepared for those kinds of questions. I didn’t even look at the sheet, and I just walked into the press conference all pissed off. After that happened I said, ‘Don’t ever f — in g go into one of those things unprepared like that again.’ ”

6. Be prepared to call an audible when necessary

One Saturday, while coaching the Detroit Honeybaked midget team, Cooper arranged for his squad to go to see a Michigan State game. During the da y, he met some old friends at a bar near campus called Crunchy’s. Among those invited was Nate Ewell, the sports information director at Michigan State at the time who would later go on to become deputy executive director of College Hockey Inc. Another was a former law colleague of Cooper’s, who brought one of the students who was interning at her law firm. Cooper struck up a conversation with the former Jessica Novak, and all his friends, not to mention his team, were forgotten. “I took her to the Michigan State game with about eight minutes left, and all the players were like, ‘Where the hell have you been and who’s the girl you’re with?’ ” Cooper says. “They knew I didn’t have a girlfriend. When she was still in law school, I said, ‘I’m leaving,’ and she said, ‘I’m coming with you,’ and she took a leap of faith.”

Cooper and his wife have twin girls and a boy who plays on the same mite team with Dan Girardi’s son and Vinny Lecavalier’s son. Lecavalier is the coach.

7. And finally, be honest, even if it co sts you

Believe it or not, Cooper doesn’t have a contract to coach the Lightning beyond this season. His salary has never been disclosed, but he does know makes $6.25 million a year on a long - term deal, was making $6 million, and Barr y Trotz signed with the Islanders for about $4 million a season. Claude Julien is pulling down $5 million per in Montreal. They all have higher salaries than Cooper, but they all also have something he wants desperately more – a Stanley Cup. “I always tell (Quenneville), ‘Screw you, did you have to win the third one?’ ” Cooper says. “ ‘It could’ve been two for you and one for me, but oh no, you’re a hog and you had to have three.’ We laugh about that.”

Barring an extension before the playoffs, Cooper will get paid if he wins the Cup. If the Lightning exit the playoffs early, he might not have a job at all. And in reality, the odds are against the Lightning winning because the odds are against everybody. It takes a special team and a unique combination of ci rcumstances for a team to win four playoff rounds. “I make more money now than I ever thought I’d make in my life,” he says. “If I get an extension, wherever that path leads me, I hope it takes me to a Stanley Cup. If they want me to stay, which I want to do, we’ll make that happen.”

When it’s pointed out to him that he’s basically announced to the world he’s willing to take a hometown discount to stay in Tampa, Cooper doesn’t blink. He knows it’s the place where he has the best chance of living out his dr eam. “One hundred percent,” he says. “That’s why I don’t want to leave.”

Not the greatest negotiating tactic, he’s told.

“I don’t care,” Cooper replies.

Louis Domingue Articles

‘It’s his turn’: Louis Domingue’s record streak (snapped Thursday night) and the life of a backup goaltender Joe Smith (The Athletic)

BOSTON — Bobby Taylor spent most of his five NHL seasons as a backup to Philadelphia Flyers star goalie .

It wasn’t a bad gig, especially with Philly hoisting bac k - to - back Stanley Cups in 1974 and ’75.

But it was also boring. At one point, Taylor watched Parent start 37 consecutive games.

“I went eight weeks without playing,” Taylor said.

And when Taylor finally did get between the pipes, it sparked a firestorm. It was during the 1973 - 74 season, and there was a much - hyped NBC showdown between the Flyers and Bruins at Boston Garden. It was a nationally televised Sunday matinee that was being sold as “Parent and the Broad Street Bullies against and the Bi g Bad Bruins.”

Only Flyers coach Fred Shero tabbed Taylor to start. NBC execs were furious, rushing to Shero before the game.

“Why is Taylor playing?”

Shero, sitting on the Zamboni, smoking a cigarette, took a drag. He exhaled and said, “Because it’s Bobby’s turn.”

Welcome to the life of a backup goalie, where you can go weeks without playing then get thrown to the wolves.

Case in point was Thursday back in Boston. With the Lightning playing their third game in four nights, Domingue was thrown i nto the fire against a red - hot Bruins team that entered with a 14 - game point streak.

Domingue’s franchise - record 11 - start winning streak was snapped, but it was through no fault of his own. Domingue was the best Tampa Bay player on the ice, racking up 37 saves in a 4 - 1 loss at TD Garden. Domingue, the only reason the Lightning were even close, was named the game’s No. 3 star.

“He was incredible,” defenseman Ryan McDonagh said.

Domingue had been on a record roll, with his last five wins coming over a 70 - d ay span.

Seventy.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty hard,” Domingue said. “There’s no special recipe to do it. Just got to find the details in practice, and once your name is called, you’ve got to be ready. You’ve got to find a way.”

The Lightning woul dn’t be chasing NHL history, on pace to break the 1995 - 96 Red Wings’ season record for points, without Domingue. Domingue has won 19 games, including going 11 - 2 during a monthlong stretch when starter Andrei Vasilevskiy was sidelined with a fractured foot.

An unsung hero in an unheralded role.

“It’s not an easy job,” said former NHL goalie , now an NBCSN analyst. “And not everybody can do it.”

The mental challenge is probably tougher than the physical one.

The first step? Accepting the role .

That was easy for Taylor, who backed up the legendary Parent. , too, gladly fell into line when he was behind Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek in Buffalo and future Hall of Famer with the Rangers. But Boucher made it clear that’s no t always the case.

“It’s half the battle,” Boucher said. “How can you be at your best if you’re a guy at the end of the day on a team where both guys are battling it out for the starting goalie spot? When you think you’re just as good as the No. 1, you th ink you should be getting more playing time, it’s going to be hard to accept your role when Coach says you’re getting a start once every two weeks. I found I was never good in those situations, especially if a guy pulled ahead of me and you feel it should be your spot.”

Domingue started his career as a backup in Arizona, then an upstart rookie just trying to stay in the league. But Domingue has also been a No. 1, albeit briefly, struggling at the beginning of last season before he was dropped by the Coyote s and put on waivers. It was a humbling situation, but the Lightning threw Domingue a lifeline, rejuvenating his career by acquiring him in mid - November of 2017.

As well as Domingue played last year for Tampa Bay, he knows Vasilevskiy is the No. 1, the re turning finalist. Domingue, who turns 27 on Mar. 6, signed a two - year deal over the summer for this exact gig. He calls Vasilevskiy the best goalie in the league. So Domingue makes the best of his situation.

“There are still times where it’s frustrating,” Domingue said. “I don’t play a lot in front of my kid, don’t play in front of my family. Don’t play in front of the fans. It’s not the best situation, but I’m in the NHL and on the best team in the league, and you make the most of it.”

Biro n said it’s important to have a strong and honest relationship with your goalie coach, and Domingue has known Lightning goalie coach Frantz Jean since their days in junior with Moncton. Domingue trusts Jean’s game plan, which he uses for both goalies, from post - to - post play, back - door plays and seeing through screens. Jean has embraced analytics as well as video, trying to pull strengths from some of the best goalies in the world into Tampa Bay’s room.

Jean said Domingue has the right makeup to put it all together.

“When athletes have that determination, that focus, that discipline to execute the hard way every day no matter what we’re doing on the ice, I think you get the results you’re seeing,” Jean said. “Even if you haven’t played in a while, you gradu ally find your bearings a lot quicker because you do it every day.

“The work ethic and discipline to play the right way is key, and Louis has that.”

You see Domingue staying on the ice late after morning skates (on days he’s not starting) and practices. There are several players — Yanni Gourde, J.T. Miller and Anthony Cirelli, among them — who like to stay and do extra. Domingue remains out there with them. It makes for a long day given that a goalie typically faces around 400 shots each practice.

Jean s aid practice days are more about technique and mechanics. At morning skates, it’s more about implementing mechanics into game - like situations.

“You basically have to treat every practice like it’s your game,” Taylor said. “You have to have that mindset. I t’s hard. Because you’re getting 400 shots in practice. You’re getting a few goals scored on you, but you don’t have the red light going on and the sirens blaring and everyone yelling at you, ‘You idiot!’

“You have to make sure you stay sharp so your edge doesn’t go away.”

Taylor used to make mental notes of Parent’s approach on certain shots to keep himself engaged. Some backups are given duties like charting faceoffs. Former Lightning backup used to yell instructions to players on the ice, l etting them know where the puck was when they skated back to retrieve it.

Biron said that on days he didn’t start, he’d attend most of the team meetings, even the ones that didn’t involve him. He’d sit in the front row of power - play meetings with the Rangers.

“One day, (coach John Tortorella) came in and said, ‘What are you doing here?'” Biron said. “I told him why I was there and he said, ‘OK.’ I needed to stay sharp.”

Domingue’s record streak started midway through his monthlong stretch spelling Va silevskiy.

It hasn’t always been pretty, as Domingue has given up four goals in three of the wins during his run. Of course, it also helps that he plays in front of the highest - scoring team in the league.

But captain Steven Stamkos said the team has a to n of confidence in Domingue, who earned it with his 11 - 2 stretch when Vasilevskiy was out. Domingue is 19 - 4 with a 2.86 goals - against average, which would be strong numbers for a No. 1.

Domingue has earned trust from the Lightning that Budaj lost.

“A str etch like that is huge for him,” Boucher said. “Now you’ve proven to your teammates and coaching staff and yourself that you can go out there and win hockey games. Nothing is more frustrating as a backup than when you give a quality start, give the team a chance to win, but you lose — and you lose five straight. Those guys are saying, ‘Hang in there, you played well.’ But it doesn’t matter. You play to win. You want the result. Your hard work is validated, and you got trust from teammates.”

There have been times Domingue has carried Tampa Bay, too. He’s made 30 - plus saves six times in his 11 - game streak and has often been at his best in the third period. He may give up a goal or two he’d want back, but he’ll make the timely save in crunch time.

“That’s his strength,” Jean said. “He’s got a really good sense of when the other team makes a push and when the game can slip or not. And he’s really good at playing his best hockey in those moments. He has a high, high hockey IQ and that’s what smart players are ab le to do.”

Domingue said he doesn’t get a ton of notice when he’s starting games, maybe a day or so. He knows for sure he’ll get at least one start in every back - to - back, like Thursday in Boston. It might be his third start in three weeks, but it could be worse.

Boucher recalled starting just three games in three months for Calgary in the second half of the 2005 - 06 season. After losing the second one, a 9 - 4 defeat in Nashville in mid - March during a long road trip, he got some tough love from coach .

“You better win the next one.”

His next start? The season finale, a month later. Calgary lost 4 - 3 to Anaheim.

It’s an often thankless job, but an important one. Domingue will end up with around 25 starts, nearly a third of the season.

“It’s sti ll hard sometimes, but that’s what I signed up for,” Domingue said. “I signed up to help Vasy be at his best and help the team when they need me. At times, you can think about how you can be playing more games, you could be doing this or that. But this is why I’m with the Lightning. This is my team, and I’m proud to be on this team and have the role I have.

“If everybody embraces their role, we’re going to be great.”

And, maybe, hoist the Stanley Cup.

Postgame thoughts: 1) With the way the Bruins are playing, ending February without a regulation loss (11 - 0 - 4), they’re looking like a potentially tough playoff matchup if the teams meet in the second round. The Maple Leafs got thumped again by the Islanders, and have a bange d - up blueline. Meanwhile, Boston — without David Pastrnak — is rolling, buoyed by deadline pickups and Marcus Johansson.

The Lightning beat the Bruins in five games in the second round in last year’s playoffs, but the rematch would be fun. “ It would be a hell of a series,” Fox Sports Sun analyst said.

What makes the Bruins so tough?

“They’re good, they’ve got good players,” coach Jon Cooper said. “They play to their system. They don’t change. They’re consistent with it. They have outstanding special teams, and they’ve got a really good leadership core. The guys that have paved the way are their leaders. But they’ve been doing this consistently for years. And it seems like every guy they get in there just plops right into their system and gets it. If you don’t change the way you play for 60 minutes, usually good things happen.”

2) There’s no cause for concern. This game was going to be tough no matter what, with the Lightning playing in their third game in four nights (and 15th in 28 days). They were on the road against a really good team. The Lightning didn’t play well Thursday, but they still finished the month 12 - 1 - 2, their 10 - game winning streak snapped.

Tampa Bay still holds a 17 - point lead over Boston in the division.

“W e are still the best team in the league,” Domingue said. “It doesn’t matter what happened tonight. Unless someone can prove me wrong, we’re No. 1 in the league and we’ve got to keep playing that way. We can’t take any teams lightly, can’t take our foot off the gas. We really have to show the league that they can’t hang with us, and that’s 60 minutes of hockey. At the end of the day, we’re going to do whatever we can to be ready for the playoffs.”

3) Maybe this loss is a good thing, captain Steven Stamkos s aid. Stamkos pointed to some recent dips in their game, having blown a two - goal lead in two of their previous three wins (all needing OT or a shootout). This time, with the Lightning not having puck management or being as crisp, the Bruins made them pay. S tamkos said it felt like “we were in quicksand.”

“Maybe this was … something that was coming for us,” Stamkos said.”We didn’t think we were playing well lately, played a good team like this, and they definitely had more energy and played a better game tha n us tonight.”

The Lightning have two more matchups with Boston, three with the Capitals and two with the Leafs among their final 17 games. So they’re going to be tested.

“We’ve just got to realize that you can’t just come into games and expect to win,” Stamkos said. “We’ve had a tremendous season. We keep reiterating that we want to prepare the last 17 games the way we want to in the playoffs.

“Maybe this was a little blessing in disguise. We played a good team that played the right way, that checks rea lly well. And we get a result like that. Maybe it’s a little wakeup call for us.”

4) Holy moly was Domingue good. He was brilliant. He made some big - time saves to keep this a one - goal game entering the third period. His Vasilevskiy - like glove save on Joakim Nordstrom early in the third was a thing of beauty. Domingue did give up three i n the third and ended up breaking his stick with a baseball - like swing against the post. But you couldn’t blame him. As Ryan McDonagh said, they “left him out to dry on many occasions.”

5) Speaking of Vasilevskiy, it sounds like he won’t be taking any ext ra rest down the stretch. Cooper said today the plan is to play him as usual the final month, no matter their lead in the standings. Vasilevskiy has only played in 40 games, with him missing a month because of a fractured. Other than a couple of back - to - ba cks that Domingue will start, Vasilevskiy could get 13 - 14 starts the rest of the way. That would still put him on the low end of the 55 - to - 65 start “sweet spot” the Lightning hopes for No. 1 goalies.

6) Adam Erne continues to try to bring that physical ed ge to his game. After getting into the Canadiens’ heads in a win a few weeks ago — drawing two penalties in the third period alone — Erne dropped the gloves again Thursday, this time a toe - to - toe battle with David Backes. Erne said part of his role is to b ring an edge to his game and be aggressive on the forecheck. Getting in a fight early like that can help set a tone too.

Andrei Vasilevskiy Articles

Andrei Vasilevskiy leads the way in exciting Lightning win Diana C. Nearhos (Tampa Bay Times)

WASHINGTON — The way Steven Stamkos sees it, the entire Lightning team owes Andrei Vasilevskiy a hug.

That’s what he told Pierre McGuire on the NBCSN broadcast immediately following Wednesday’s win over the Capitals, the second over Wa shington in a week.

The overtime game featured nine goals, traded leads, scrums and a fight, but Tampa Bay owes this win to Vasilevskiy.

He was called sensational (Stamkos), unbelievable (Victor Hedman) and exceptional (Jon Cooper).

“It’s pretty safe to say who our MVP was tonight,” Cooper said after the 5 - 4 overtime win.

Vasilevskiy saw 58 shots (“Shame on us for giving up so many chances,” Cooper said). He saved 54 of them, for a career high and franchise record.

He sprawled, he dove, he made a pad s ave while holding his stick upside down. In a flashy game that left fans entertained on all levels, Vasilevskiy deserves the most credit.

“The stats speak for themselves,” Ryan McDonagh said. “Another incredible performance and definitely wish we played a little bit better in front of him.”

Coaches will usually say the penalty kill starts with your goalie. That was truly the case Wednesday.

The Lightning gave the Capitals six power plays and killed all but one. Washington spent a lot of time in the offensive zone. Vasilevskiy didn’t allow much, making 15 saves on the kill alone.

Take, for example, a Capitals power play early in the third period. As the advantage expired, Vasilevskiy made saves first on Alex Ovechkin, then sprawled to the opposite po st for Tom Wilson’s rebound.

In the second period, Vasilevskiy had a nice power - play stop on Evgeny Kuznetsov, coming in with speed. Kuznetsov didn’t elevate the shot, but Vasilevskiy stayed with him to make the pad save.

“The story was Vasy tonight,” St amkos said. “(There were) a couple big penalty kills in the third where he was our best player.”

Vasilevskiy made a few nice saves on Ovechkin, who could be on his way to a 50 - goal season at age 33. On one, Ovechkin tried to go high, and Vasilevskiy knock ed the puck down with his shoulder, then grabbed it with his glove. Later, in the third period, he stopped a classic Ovechkin knuckle - puck one - timer from the left circle.

For comparison, during last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, Vasilevskiy never saw more than nine shots on the penalty kill. He totaled four goals allowed on 30 shots in the series. Overall, he didn’t see more than 38 shots.

He did just about everything you could ask of a goalie. Vasilevskiy did allow four goals, but on 58 shots. That’s a .931 save percentage (just above his season average of .930, which is tied for second in the league).

Of the four goals, one came off a bad turnover at the blue line, one was a tough post - to - post play and one was a rebound. The goal Vasilevskiy might w ant back was Kuznetsov’s shot between his legs with 53 seconds left in regulation.

But the Lightning certainly isn’t holding that one against him.

“Obviously not up to our (team) standard, but he was,” Hedman said. “We’ve got to tip our hat to him and th e PK today. I think that won us the game tonight.”

Dan Girardi Articles

In their own words: Girardi's Journal Dan Girardi / TampaBayLightning.com

Throughout Tampa Bay Lightning training camp, Bolts defenseman Dan Girardi has been kind enough to chronicle his thoughts in what we're calling: In Their Own Words - Girardi's Journal.

Periodically, we'll be checking in with Girardi to get his thoughts on how training camp is progressing or provide a behind - the - scenes look at what goes on in the locker room when the players are hanging out.

In his first installment, as told to TampaBayLightning.com beat writer Bryan Burns, Girardi explains how fatiguing the opening couple days of camp can be, talks about the two scrimmages the team has played and offers his views on the excitement of bringing pretty much the same team back for the 2018 - 19 season.

"I think it's been a pretty tough first two days of training camp. The guys are working really hard. We're doing a lot of team - oriented stuff right now: defensive zone, breakouts, all things that need to be hammered in right now. Camp last year was a difficult one, and we've carried that same approach into this season's camp. It's been a tough two days. Definitely fun at the end of the day when you're fin ished and you can take your skates off and start the recovery process.

Last season we obviously didn't get to our ultimate goal, but we came awfully close. I think that was a good foundation for the team to start camp with a hard work ethic and concentrat e on things we can improve defensively. We started pretty well last year defensively but kind of got away from it. This year we're going to concentrate more on our end with the D we have and the forwards and obviously with Vasy and Louis back there. If we can limit the shots against, we'll be much better. Our team can score goals with the best of them. If we can keep the goals against to one or two a game, we're going to be fine. I think that's been a big emphasis these first couple days of camp is to make sure our D zone coverage is working together and really giving the opposition no time and space.

I think it's pretty rare to have almost the exact same team come back, obviously minus Chris (Kunitz) and bringing in Andy (Andreoff). The team's the exact sa me team that we had last season. I've never been a part of something like that in my 12 years in the League, and I think that's something special we can really work with. Guys like J.T. (Miller) and Mac [Ryan McDonagh] are starting fresh from camp and gett ing into the game plan with everyone else. We're really excited how this year can go. It doesn't matter what we did last year. We had a great year, set season records for the Lightning franchise and all that, but it really means nothing unless we accomplis h our ultimate goal. I think this year we're really using that for motivation.

So far in camp, we've had two scrimmages, one Friday and one Saturday. It's been a mixed bag for me personally in the scrimmages. They're always a little difficult when you're on the practice side first. Each scrimmage, one side practices before the scrimmage while the other side practices after. We were on the scrimmage side first, so that's why we won Saturday. We were scrimmage second Friday, and it really showed. It wasn't g reat. Coming off testing, the first day is pretty exciting. Then you practice an hour and 10 minutes with a lot of skating, it's pretty hard to go play a game against guys with fresh legs. Practice is harder when you're doing it after 30 - 40 minutes of inte nse game action, but I think either way you're going to be tired throughout the day. I'd rather feel good during the game personally. And, obviously, it's always nice when you're on the winning side, even if it is just an intra - squad scrimmage on the secon d day of training camp."

Anton Stralman Articles

A quickie wedding, a shocker at 30,000 feet and an Insta - deal: The human side of the NHL trade deadline Joe Smith (The Athletic)

When Anton Stralman got traded to Columbus from Calgary on the eve of the 2009 NHL season, he figured it’d mean an opportunity for more playing time. A fresh start in the .

Little did he know it would lead to the weirdest marriage ceremony you’ll ever see.

“It was our wedding story,” said Stralman, now a Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman.

Stralman, a native Swede, had no issue getting a work visa to move from to the U.S. The problem? When his long - time then - girlfriend, Johanna, tried to procure hers from the embassy, she was told she “didn’t hav e strong enough ties” to Anton. Johanna was pregnant with the couple’s second child. They had met in 10th grade at a Swedish health care high school, their first date a lunch in the cafeteria after an autopsy.

“Not like dinner and a movie,” he joked.

They had made the life - changing move from to Toronto, where Stralman was originally drafted, and then to Calgary. But now the growing family of four couldn’t be together?

“We couldn’t believe it,” Stralman said.

They had two choices. Johanna could move back to Sweden while they applied for a visa. Or get married.

They tried for three weeks to fight the system, with the help of the Blue Jackets. It didn’t work.

So with the Blue Jackets set to play in Calgary on Oct. 20, with two off days in betwee n, they planned a makeshift wedding. They had wanted the fairytale one, once they could afford it, with all their friends and family back in Sweden. But Johanna was miserable, all alone, with 2 - year - old daughter Liv and a newborn.

“The month in Calgary fe lt like a year,” she said.

So Stralman called a local marriage commissioner, Bruce Arlington, to set up a ceremony. They said “I do” in a no - frills, 20 - minute ceremony in their Calgary apartment. At 10 a.m. In front of a non - working fireplace. Stralman, w ho had the team’s rookie party (“my bachelor party”) the night before, was in a sweatshirt and jeans. Johanna was in her nurse’s gear. Liv was crying because she dropped a toy behind the TV.

Then - Columbus GM served as both best man and weddin g photographer, jokingly asking Stralman to keep the ceremony moving as they had practice that day. There were no pre - written vows.

“It was casual, super short,” Stralman said. “It was, ‘Do you take her? Yes. Yes.'”

Stralman played the next day.

They go t a marriage certificate and a visa. When they returned to the consulate, the supervisor apologized, telling them they never should have had to go through the saga they did. Columbus sent a private plane a few days later to bring Johanna and the kids to to wn.

“The plane couldn’t take off — there was an issue,” Stralman said. “It was fitting.”

The Stralmans made up for their low - budget wedding with a spectacular redo on July 25, 2015. They renewed their vows at a countryside castle called Bjertorp in Kvanu m, a tiny town in southeastern Sweden. It was a three - day affair that featured golf, British - style tea and skeet shooting.

The Stralmans renewed their vows several years later in a Swedish castle. (Courtesy of Anton Stralman) This ceremony included a thre e - course dinner, with Stralman reciting a poem he wrote about their roller - coaster ride. The band, “The Happy Makers,” played until 2 a.m. They sang karaoke until 5, with Stralman stealing the show by doing Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”

Stralman still laughs when he thinks back to his original wedding, the one sparked by an unexpected trade.

“Not the way I drew it up,” Stralman said. “But looking back now, it’s something you’ll remember forever.”

With the NHL trade deadline coming next Monday, we aske d Lightning players to share their crazy stories of how they got traded, revealing the human side of these life - changing transactions.

Dealt at 30,000 feet J.T. Miller was traded from the Rangers to the Lightning on Feb. 26, 2018, as part of the Ryan McD onagh deadline blockbuster.

Miller doesn’t know what state he was in when his life - changing deal to Tampa Bay went down.

He was midway through the New York Rangers’ charter flight to Vancouver, so probably somewhere above the Dakotas or Montana, when his card game with teammates was interrupted. President broke the news at roughly 30,000 feet.

Miller couldn’t believe it.

“They had told me before the deadline that I wasn’t getting traded. It had to be perfect,” Miller said. “So I had my guard down and wasn’t expecting anything. I was shocked.”

It was around 3:15 p.m. ET, so the deadline had already passed. And Miller thought he was in the clear. The rumor on the plane was that McDonagh, the Rangers star and captain, had been dealt in what tur ned out to be the same deal. Miller ended up part of it, with the Lightning sending , prospects Libor Hajek and and a couple of picks. The Lightning wanted Miller.

“I guess I was the piece that made it work,” Miller said.

From that point on, it was a blur. Miller’s wife, Natalie, was eight months pregnant, so he was worried about her. Once Miller landed and said his goodbyes to the team, then - Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he could stay an extra day in Vancouver if he li ked and not hurry down to play in Tampa’s home game against Buffalo.

Miller decided to stay overnight, take an early morning flight the next day and play against the Sabres. He ended up playing three games in four nights, including another game the follow ing day in Dallas. Meanwhile, Natalie was moving their life from New York, packing their house to put in storage and shipping their car and dog down to Tampa.

“She’s a beast,” Miller said. “Couldn’t have done it without her.”

Natalie arrived that weekend after flying down with McDonagh’s wife, Kaylee.

“(Natalie) had found out about the trade before me,” Miller said. “She saw (news of the McDonagh) trade on TV and texted Kaylee saying, ‘I’m sorry to see you leave.’ And Kaylee said, ‘What are you talking about? You’re coming with us.'”

The Millers’ firstborn, daughter Scottyln Marie, was born in late April during the playoffs. They have a second, another daughter, due in May. With Miller signing a five - year deal in July, the couple bought a home i n Westshore, putting down some roots.

“It worked out great,” Miller said. “We’re happy we’re homeowners and can call Tampa home.”

Captain’s closure Ryan McDonagh, the Rangers captain, was traded to the Lightning on Feb. 26, 2018, along with J.T. Miller.

McDonagh had a feeling he was going to be traded at the deadline last year, especially after the Rangers management announced to fans they were planning on rebuilding.

But to where? It drove him a bit crazy to see all the rumors on social media, as both he and Erik Karlsson were deadline targets of multiple teams around the league.

“That’s when I got rid of my account, a month before the deadline,” McDonagh said. “You get your head wrapped around the wrong thing and you can’t even enjoy going to the rink. That was my sanctuary, where I could get away from everything. When I was hurt (hand injury), I really couldn’t do much, so I was thinking about it a lot.”

McDonagh was still rehabbing from the injury on deadline day, and he decided to stay at t he practice facility in case he got news so he could pack up his gear and leave. But as the deadline approached and no news came, he drove home, wanting at least to be with wife Kaylee and daughter Falan when they found out.

But on his way home, McDonagh got a call from agent that he got traded — he just didn’t know where. The Maple Leafs and Panthers were among the many teams in pursuit. McDonagh had some say in the matter, a 10 - team no - trade list.

“You wonder where — if it is a team that’s going to contend or a team on the outside looking in,” McDonagh said.

McDonagh got home and Rangers GM Jeff Gorton let him know he was headed to the Lightning.

“When it was Tampa, it was like, ‘Oh, wow, they’re one of the best teams in the league,’ and you’re eager to be part of it.”

Traded at the trainer’s table Ryan Callahan was traded from the Rangers to the Lightning in the blockbuster Marty St. Louis deal — a swap of captains — on Mar. 5, 2014.

Callahan, the Rangers captain, figured there would be a chance he was getting traded at the deadline once contract - extension talks broke down.

Callahan wanted to stay with the only organization he’d ever known, especially with his wife, Kyla, pregnant again with their second child. His camp and the Rangers made several offers back and forth, but with a no - movement clause a sticking point, those negotiations broke down.

“We lost contact with the team for two or three days before the deadline,” Callahan said. “So I figured something might go down.”

C allahan came off the ice at Madison Square Garden from a morning skate and was on the table in the trainer’s room. Everyone was watching “Trade Center” on television. Callahan’s name popped up at the bottom of the screen as part of the St. Louis deal.

A f ew moments later, the door opened, and then - GM Glen Sather asked to meet with his captain.

“You’re preparing for it mentally, but when it happens, there’s still shock and awe,” Callahan said. “I had never been traded before. My wife was pregnant and we ha d a 2 - year - old daughter. The first thing I thought was how tough it would be to tell my family we are uprooting our lives and moving.”

But Callahan was calmed by how smoothly the Lightning handled it, with GM Steve Yzerman and owner Jeff Vinik reaching ou t to welcome him. Coach Jon Cooper was there waiting in baggage claim to pick up Callahan when he arrived in Tampa later that night.

“It was a nice touch,” Callahan said. “I thought they’d just send a service. But we had a good chat on the ride to the are na on what my role might be. It eased my mind.”

Callahan quickly found a month - to - month rental in Harbor Island, as he didn’t want his family in a hotel for long.

“It wasn’t easy,” he said.

The wake - up call Braydon Coburn was traded Mar. 2, 2015, from t he Flyers to the Lightning for defenseman and first - and third - round draft picks.

Coburn was fast asleep when he got traded to Tampa Bay.

He and his wife, Nadine, had two toddlers, so he guesses he was in bed by 9 p.m. Around 5 or 6 a.m., Na dine got up to feed their 17 - month - old son, Blair, and noticed that Coburn’s phone had been blowing up with messages.

“You need to wake up,” Nadine told her husband. “I think we’ve been traded.”

Coburn woke up to voicemails from Flyers GM and Lightning GM Steve Yzerman. He scrolled through dozens of texts from buddies, teammates and media members trying to get him on their trade deadline TV show. But among the calls he’ll remember the most are conversations with late Flyers owner , wh o told him “how much he appreciated my time in Philly and how much he enjoyed watching me play.”

Coburn also received a voicemail from Lightning owner Jeff Vinik welcoming him to Tampa. “I thought that was really cool.”

Cooper planned on picking Coburn up from the airport, but his flights were delayed and he did not arrive until after midnight.

“It was a whirlwind,” Coburn said. “I came here, my wife came the next week. We checked out some places, sold our house in Philly the next weekend. Never set foot in that house again. It was an amazing new chapter in my career.”

The lifeline Louis Domingue was acquired by the Lightning from the Coyotes in a swap of minor - league goalies that saw going to Arizona.

Domingue was at a career c rossroads when the Lightning sent him a lifeline.

Domingue had been cut loose by Arizona in late October of 2017, catching him by surprise. Domingue had struggled on the ice, but the Coyotes were one of the worst teams in the league. Domingue cleared waiv ers without any of the other 30 teams making a claim.

Domingue said he paid for his own ice in nearby Scottsdale, at one point working out with former Coyotes captain Shane Doan and his son. Arizona had offered him an assignment to the ECHL while they tri ed to find him a new home, but for a couple of weeks, Domingue waited for a trade that seemed as if it would never come. He looked into opt - out clauses so he could play in Europe.

“I almost quit hockey,” Domingue said.

Domingue was working out with a col lege team in Montreal on Nov. 14, 2017, when after practice he was told by some other players that he had been traded to Tampa Bay. The trade not only saved AHL Syracuse’s season but rejuvenated Domingue’s career. The 26 - year - old came up huge this season w hen Andrei Vasilevskiy missed a month with a fractured foot.

“It sparked me up a bit because I was down,” Domingue said. “I didn’t think I would get traded. It caught me by surprise, and I scrambled. In a few hours, I was down (in Syracuse). But it was a good feeling.”

The Insta - trade Defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was traded from the Canadiens to the Lightning on June 15, 2017, in the Jonathan Drouin blockbuster.

Sergachev was on vacation with his family in Cypress, taking a catnap around dinner time befo re he planned to explore the local nightlife.

When Sergachev woke up, he saw a couple of direct messages from fans on Instagram:

“Good luck in Tampa.”

“I’m like, ‘What?'” Sergachev recalled. “My first reaction was to be frustrated and shocked. But then I saw it as an opportunity.”

Sergachev got a phone call from Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman, and then the next day he received texts from stars Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, who welcomed him to Tampa.

Sergachev has fit right in and become a staple in the lineup. We analyzed Year 2 of the trade over the weekend.

“It worked out well though,” Sergachev said. “I’m happy.”

The hidden gem Erik Cernak was acquired by the Lightning in the Ben Bishop trade with the Kings on Feb. 26, 2017. Backup goalie Pe ter Budaj also came to Tampa Bay along with a seventh - round pick and a conditional second - rounder.

Cernak was just a footnote in the deal that sent Bishop to L.A., but he may end up being the centerpiece. The hidden gem.

Cernak, 21, has quickly become a part of the Lightning blueline and seems primed to be a member of their top six for years to come.

But back then, Cernak was just a Kings prospect playing for Erie in the Hockey League along with Lightning prospects Anthony Cirelli and Taylor Rad dysh. Cernak had just finished a game in Owen Sound three days before the trade deadline when he learned of the deal.

First, Kings assistant GM called Cernak. Then Lightning GM Steve Yzerman.

“I was excited,” Cernak said. “(Yzerman) told me he’ s happy he got me here in Tampa and hopes I’ll be in the NHL really soon. And he was right.”

Cernak turned to Cirelli and Raddysh on the bus and told them he was now their future teammate thanks to the deal.

“They didn’t believe me,” Cernak said, smiling . “That was funny.”

Mathieu Joseph Article

In their own words: Mathieu Joseph Mathieu Joseph / TampaBayLightning.com

Throughout the season, tampabaylightning.com will periodically talk to Lightning players or coaches to get their first - hand account of a critical moment from the season or just what's on their mind currently.

In this installment, we hear from Lightning forward Mathieu Joseph, who, after a few near misses, scored his first career NHL goal in Tampa Bay's come - from - behind 4 - 3 ove rtime victory in Ottawa on November 4, an important goal that got the Lightning back on level terms with the Senators 2 - 2 at 3:04 of the third period.

Joseph has enjoyed a meteoric rise to his current position as the Lightning's third line right wing. Las t year in his first pro season with Tampa Bay's AHL affiliate Syracuse, Joseph netted 15 goals and added a team - best 38 assists to lead the Crunch for scoring (53 pts.). He made the Lightning roster out of training camp in 2018 and has injected even more s peed into an already blazing - fast Lightning lineup. Joseph made his NHL debut in the season opener October 6 versus Florida and registered his first career point, an assist, in his fourth game October 16 against Carolina. But that first goal remained elusi ve.

Until Ottawa.

As told to tampabaylightning.com beat writer Bryan Burns, Joseph discusses what it felt like to score for the first time, what it was like doing so in front of friends and family and how it felt being on the opposite bench at the Bell C entre in Montreal, a venue 30 minutes west across the St. Lawrence River from his Chambly, hometown.

"When we went to Montreal to play the Canadiens, I had close to 70 friends and family members in the stands that came to support me and watch me pl ay. I'm really grateful for that. Not just my family but friends I've known for a while, to be able to share that experience with them, that first game in Montreal, being in Ottawa for that first goal, was something special. I had a lot of cousins in the s tands, all my aunts and uncles. My grandmother was there. Lots of friends from when I was young. My dad's friends with their young sons and daughters. They came to my Quebec Major Junior Hockey League games too. People I know since I'm young. Really happy to see. Two of my billets were there. They came from Saint John. My other billet from midget AAA was there as well. Lots of people that I'm really close with. I'm always going to be extremely thankful for my family and friends and all they support they giv e me and my brother [editor's note: Mathieu's brother Pierre - Olivier Joseph currently plays for the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL and was drafted 23rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft].

Playing against Montreal was pretty special. I grew up right around the corner from there, went to Canadiens games as a kid. In the game, I had a breakaway against Carey Price. I've been watching Carey Price since I was I don't know how old. I'll admit, I was a little nervous. I played at th e Bell for World Juniors with Tony [Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli] and a couple other guys in the organization. Being on the other side of the net over there, being on the opposing team, playing in front of the fans in Montreal - they love their team so much, they eat, sleep, drink hockey - it was an unreal moment for me in my career and one I'll never forget.

A night later we played the Senators in Ottawa. Some of my friends and family that were in Montreal followed me over to Ottawa to watch m e play there too. Early in the third period, I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity not only to score but make an impact on the game. I think it was Strals [Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman], he made a really good play coming in and taking time a nd space away from the forward there. The puck bounced and I tried to, I wouldn't say slash Chabot's stick, but I kind of took Chabot's stick out of the way and he lost his stick, which was a good break for us. Tony had the puck in alone on goal with me an d he passed it off on his right to me. I was ready. I got a good bounce, it went in the net and that was it. Such a great feeling. And it was good timing too, tying the score up in a game we would eventually win in overtime. I was lucky enough to have my f amily there to watch me score my first NHL goal. It was good to get that first one out of the way but, more importantly, to help the team win the game.

I didn't realize right away I had scored. I think I had to take another look. You're almost like, 'Oh m y goodness, is this really happening?' I was obviously very happy to contribute to the win. It was a timely game - tying goal, and it was good for the momentum of the game. Good play by Strals too. The guys were really happy for me. I had some chances at the beginning of the year but just wasn't able to convert. Obviously, everyone's happy, but I think after that we focused on trying to win the hockey game and that's what we did."

I had so many chances to score before that first one went in the back of the n et. I think against Vancouver I should have scored off a cross - ice pass from Killer [Lightning forward Alex Killorn]. I think it was a pass from dot to dot, and I just missed the net and was wide open. I should have scored that one. Maybe against Columbus too, I had the five hole open against Bobrovsky. I think that one went wide between his five hole. That one should have gone in too. In Colorado I hit the post. Just a bunch of spots. Montreal I had a couple good chances too. I'm over it now. You have to b e. I kept telling myself it would come. 'Take your time, have some poise.' This is what I would repeat in my head. If I want to stay in the lineup and help the team win, I need to do other stuff: be good on the forecheck, be good defensively, be good on th e PK, be intense and win my battles. I think I was more focused on that stuff than scoring my first goal. But it was such a great feeling to score that first one. And being lucky enough to have my family there made it so much more special. Hopefully, I can score a few more in this league."

Tyler Johnson Article

Fans get a look at a different side of Tyler Johnson Mari Faiello (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA – It’s not every day you get to see the lighthearted side of Tyler Johnson.

However, Lightning fans experienced the 28 - year - old’s funny personality during the team’s home matchup against the on Jan. 10 when Johnson was wired up with a hidden microphone.

During warm - ups, the forward was perplexed with a particular fan’s sign that read , “I got sunshine in my (Cedric) Paquette.” Assistant equipment manager Rob Kennedy told Johnson it was a play on the song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling" and “I got sunshine in my pocket.”

Johnson also had a heart - to - heart with Ondrej Palat, telling Palat that he was his “favorite player." He reiterated this later on after Palat scored a power - play goal, tying up the score 1 - all in the third period.

Later on during the matchup, announcers told Lightning fans there was an opportunity to win a signed Brayden Poi nt jersey. Johnson then looked over to Point, who was sitting next to him on the bench, and told him he could put in “20 bucks” for that.

One of Johnson’s funniest moments of the night came when a referee was scolding Mathieu Joseph on the bench for not m o ving when he was told to do so.

Joseph explained to the that he couldn’t hear him and as the referee skated away, Johnson piped up that English is Joseph’s second language (he speaks better English than some natives do). Joseph shrugged and chuc kled with a wide grin on his face.

J.T. Miller Article

How Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller plan to fight personal cancer cause with Kan Jam Joe Smith (The Athletic)

TAMPA, Fla. — Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller were flinging the frisbee around in one of their favorite games — Kan Jam — last February, participating in then - Rangers teammate Kevin Shattenkirk’s charity tournament.

The event in Tarrytown, N.Y., raised more than $100,000 for a children’s hospital and the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Rangers and their fans were playing with, and against, each other.

“We were like, ‘Wow,'” McDonagh said, “‘we should do something like this.'”

Two days later, both M cDonagh and Miller were traded to the Lightning in the blockbuster deadline deal.

Now that McDonagh and Miller have settled into Tampa Bay — they both signed long - term deals last summer, and now both of their wives are expecting their second child — they want to give back.

That’s where “The Mac and Millsy Kancer Jam” comes in. The two Lightning players are planning a charity event next season that will raise money for families in the Tampa Bay area impacted by cancer.

The cause hits home for both. M iller’s 65 - year - old grandmother is currently battling colon cancer, and his wife Natalie’s grandmothers both died from cancer.

“It affects all our families,” Miller said. “Now that we have kids, the perspective is insane. If we can give back and do it in a fun fashion like that, we really would jump at the opportunity to do that.”

McDonagh and Miller spent a good part of Sunday’s “Bolts Family Game Night” outside Tampa Theater teaching Lightning fans Kan Jam.

It’s a flying disc tailgate game, similar to cornhole and horseshoes. Two players are on each team, standing on opposite sides of cylinders spread 50 feet apart. The goal is to get 21 points, and a team earns three by tossing the frisbee and having your teammate knock it into the can. You get two poi nts by hitting the can on your own. The game is over if you toss the disc through the slit in the front of the cylinder.

“It’s a lot of fun, an easy - going game,” McDonagh said. “We play it all the time in the summer up at the cabin.”

Imagine playing with Steven Stamkos on your team. Or against Nikita Kucherov. That’s the idea behind “The Mac & Millsy Kancer Jam,” with fans getting the chance to donate and pick their teammates. They’re still working out the details, like the date — which will depend on the Lightning’s 2019 - 20 schedule — and finding a local indoor facility. More info will be on www.jamkancerinthekan.com (@jamkancer). A Lightning fan group, Thunder Bolts, plans to do a raffle for autographed merchandise after the playoffs to raise money for t he event.

McDonagh, who signed a seven - year, $47.25 million contract in July, said he has never had a foundation, even while he was the Rangers captain. But by putting down roots here, along with Miller, that could change.

“This is a good way to start,” McDonagh said. “Who knows? Maybe one day, it’ll lead to something bigger.”

There were plenty of lighter moments at Sunday’s event, which featured players on stage at Tampa Theater participating in game - show like skits.

Mountain man

In “Fan Feud” — thei r spin on “Family Feud” — Stamkos and Victor Hedman led three - player teams on stage, trying to guess fans’ top answers to questions.

Who is the best - dressed player on game day?

Stamkos guessed Hedman — “I couldn’t say myself.” Hedman was actually No. 2, and Stamkos was No. 1. Andrei Vasilevskiy was No. 3.

“I thought it was going to be me,” Hedman said, smiling. “Even Stamkos said it was me.”

Which Lightning player most resembles a “Game of Thrones” character?

“I don’t watch the show,” Miller said. “But I know there’s a (little person) on it. So I’ll go (Tyler Johnson).”

Johnson didn’t make the list. Hedman did, with Anton Stralman suggestin g he looks like the “Mountain” character.

“I’ll take it,” Hedman said after.

A Harvard joke There was a game called “Caption This,” where the players had to describe the photo on the screen.

Alex Killorn took some jabs from teammates for a photo of him playing Bubble Hockey.

Brayden Point’s pick? “I used to play this at Harvard.”

Dan Girardi, no surprise, had the winner.

“Damn. I look good in this reflection.”

There was a photo of Nikita Kucherov outside a dunk tank from a previous Fan Fest.

Braydo n Coburn had the best for that one. “I left Russia for this?”

Who wants to be a millionaire? Like the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” show, three players on each side took their turns trying to answer up to seven Lightning trivia questions.

There were some close calls.

When the blue team was asked “Who is the founder of the Lightning?” rookie Mathieu Joseph was stumped. There were the two Espositos, Phil and Tony, among the four answers. And Brian Bradley, the Lightning’s first All - Star.

That’s w ho Joseph picked before teammate Alex Killorn corrected him. “It’s .”

The black team had to huddle over the capital of Florida but answered all seven right.

Line of the night Nikita Kucherov is the Hart Trophy favorite, racking up point tota ls the likes of which we haven’t seen in 20 years.

But Kucherov got beat in the game of “Stack the Pucks,” as Adam Erne stole the show by putting up 26.

“It was funny watching Kuch struggle stacking the pucks,” Stamkos joked afterward. “Usually he’s got it on a string.”

Cedric Paquette Article

Why the Tampa Bay Lightning’s fourth line could be an X factor in Stanley Cup run Joe Smith (The Athletic)

TAMPA, Fla. — The Jets were wobbly on the ropes Tuesday night, but they still had some fight late in their showdown with the league - leading Lightning.

It was four minutes into the third period, Tampa Bay was up 3 - 1 and Winnipeg was pressuring in the offensive end with its heavy hitters on the ice. Mark Scheifele. . Patri k Laine.

The Lightning countered with their ferocious fourth line of Mathieu Joseph, Cedric Paquette and Adam Erne.

“They were probably the best line out there,” All - Star Nikita Kucherov deadpanned.

But Kucherov wasn’t kidding.

In a seven - second span on that third - period shift, Joseph, Paquette and Erne would deliver the knockout blow in a 5 - 2 victory at Amalie Arena. And, in arguably their best collective performance of the year, the three players showed why they could be an X factor in Tampa Bay’s playoff run.

Paquette started it off with a hit on Laine, separating him from the puck near the sideboards in Tampa Bay’s end. Erne pounced on the loose puck, pressing it up the ice to Joseph, who used his disruptive speed to drive defense man Sami Niku deep into the Winnipeg zone. Joseph crunched Niku face - first into the boards, then set his sights on defenseman Ben Chiarot, standing him up. Joseph and Erne forced a turnover behind the net and the puck went right to Paquette, who roofed the puck past goalie for a crushing goal.

“Obviously that’s a little more wind out of the sails,” Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba said.

What makes this historic Lightning (51 - 12 - 4) team special is its stars. Kucherov’s Hart Trophy - caliber sea son reached another milestone Tuesday as he tied Vincent Lecavalier for the single - season franchise record for points (108) — with 15 games left. Steven Stamkos snapped a season - high six - game goalless drought, pulling within one of Lecavalier for the franc hise career mark of 383. Tampa Bay’s other - worldly power play struck twice. Victor Hedman is now the franchise leader in power - play points among defensemen.

But if the Lightning are going to hoist the Stanley Cup, they’re going to need impactful contribut ions from their third and fourth lines.

Remember when Kucherov and Stamkos went dry the final three games of the Eastern Conference final against the Capitals? No one could pick them up. The fourth line doesn’t have to score like it did Tuesday, notching two goals and five points. But it needs to have the type of relentless, momentum - swinging efforts that can change games.

The final tally for the fourth line on Tuesday? Eleven hits, five points, plus - 5 in 15 even - strength shifts.

The third line of Anthon y Cirelli, J.T. Miller and Alex Killorn was strong too. Those are the types of guys who can turn into unsung heroes in the spring and summer.

“You look at a team like Washington that beat us last year,” Erne said. “Their third and fourth line was really b ig for them. They did a number on us physically by finishing hits. It’s something I think we can take note of a nd try to be better, for sure.”

Adam Erne has had a breakout season for the Lightning, posting career - high totals in nearly every statistical ca tegory while playing in 52 games. (Kim Klement / USA Today) This year has been Erne’s coming - out - party, a breakthrough season in which he has finally become a regular in an NHL lineup.

“This is the best I’ve felt at this level,” he said.

Erne, 23, has th e size of a power forward at 6 - foot - 1, 214 pounds and some sneaky - good skills.

The physical part has been a given for Erne, who has gotten into several fights and drawn the ire of veterans like Stars captain . Remember the Lightning’s win over M ontreal last month when Erne’s feisty play drew two Canadiens penalties?

“It’s not my whole game, but it’s definitely part of my game where I feel I can make an impact,” Erne said. “When you do stuff like that, people don’t realize that it’s not always there. It’s about opportunity. (It’s) not every time you’ll have a chance to line guys up. As long as you’re finishing hits, not every hit will be crazy, but they add up.”

Erne showed off his shot Tuesday, finishing off a 2 - on - 1 with Joseph midway through the second. He had missed the net on a similar opportunity early in the first. So after Erne scored his first goal since Dec. 29 — spanning 26 games — he let out some emotion by leaping into the boards.

“I think we’ve been playing well for some ti me, but it’s good to see some production,” Erne said. “It was kind of eating at us. as well as you want. But it feels different when you can finally get some production.”

It’s easy to forget that Joseph, barely 22, is still in his first NHL s eason.

The fourth - round pick forged a unique path to the Lightning’s opening - night roster, then played so well that he couldn’t be sent down. (He is the reason why Cory Conacher was put on waivers, then assigned to Syracuse in the AHL.) But Joseph hit a s nag in December, missing seven games with a lower - body injury.

The issue appeared to linger, as Joseph struggled to be as dynamic in the subsequent months when he was in and out of the lineup. He was sent to Syracuse twice in paper transactions because he was the only forward waiver eligible.

But you saw on Tuesday Joseph’s game - breaking speed and how he can be a force in the bottom six. Remember, part of the reason the Lightning told veteran Ryan Callahan he’s the 13th forward is because younger players like Joseph needed — and had earned — a longer look.

“He’s a pretty explosive skater,” coach Jon Cooper said of Joseph. “I think there was a little stretch there where he wasn’t having an impact on the game because he wasn’t using his legs. The last coupl e, especially (Tuesday), pucks were put in the space for him and he’s the first one there.”

Case in point was the back - breaking goal on Tuesday night. Joseph’s elite speed on the forecheck forced a turnover, and he kept after it. Paquette reached double d igits in goal with his snipe.

“The hits don’t have to be huge, but they add up,” Erne said. “When the defense goes back in (its) third, maybe they make a play faster than they wanted to knowing you’re breathing down their neck.”

Postgame thoughts 1.) Ano ther game, another record for Kucherov. This time, Kucherov tied Lecavalier for the team’s single - season points mark (108), and there’s still a month of the regular season to go.

“It’s OK, I’m trying to work on my game every day and see what happens,” Kuc herov said. “Obviously, it’s good. I like it.”

Cooper had more superlatives for Kucherov, who has shown off not only his elite hockey IQ this season but also a growing maturity on and off the ice.

“To watch his growth in that area, it’s been remarkable,” Cooper said. “I think about myself coming into the league and things that would eat you up. You sit back and say, ‘OK, does it really need to eat you up that bad?’ He’s a star now. That’s what he’s really become. I understand he’s playing on a good team t hat’s doing all these good things. But when you’re the best player on a good team, it really says something about his talent.”

2.) Andrei Vasilevskiy has quietly won 10 straight starts, second in franchise history to his backup, Louis Domingue, who had his 11 - game winning streak snapped last Thursday in Boston.

Vasilevskiy and Domingue are the first goalie tandem to each have 10 - game winning streaks in the same season.

Remember all those years the Lightning struggled to find a No. 1 goaltender? How spo iled Tampa Bay has been the past six or seven seasons with Ben Bishop and now these two.

3.) Ondrej Palat may be getting his groove back. While Palat’s two - way game won’t always be reflected in the box score, he’s been up and down the past few months. But Fox Sports Sun analyst Brian Engblom pointed out that Palat may have been Tampa Bay’s best player in Thursday’s loss in Boston.

And Palat was rolling Tuesday, including his slick stretch pass on Yanni Gourde’s goal 94 seconds into the game.

4.) The Ligh tning power play — when it is clicking — can be nearly impossible to stop.

Just ask the Jets about Brayden Point’s shot from the slot that sealed Tuesday’s win.

Alex Killorn Article

Alex Killorn powers Lightning past Capitals Diana C. Nearhos (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — The last time the Lightning saw the Capitals, it got shut out and pushed around.

Neither of those things was an issue Saturday night.

Alex Killorn led the charge on both counts with his first career hat trick and team - high six hits as the Lightning won 6 - 3 in the teams’ first meeting since last year’s Eastern Conference final.

“Take the goals away, he was still one of the top players on the ice,” coach Jon Cooper said. “How physical he was, how he wanted the puck. How (Killorn ’s line) played against (Alex) Ovechkin’s line a lot of the night. That’s what we’ve seen out of Killorn in multiple seasons.”

Killorn’s second goal showed both sides of his play. It wasn’t a smooth goal - scorer’s goal. It was a battle he won.

He got the puck off a turnover, but Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen jostled Killorn to get him off the puck. Killorn gave Jensen a shove, and while he was offbalance, he put a shot on goalie Braden Holtby. Killorn continued to the net and took another whac k at the rebound to put the Lightn ing up 3 - 1 in the first period.

“He was unbelievable tonight,” said Anthony Cirelli, who assisted on that goal. “He’s skilled, he’s fast, he’s strong. He works so hard every shift every single night. I have a lot of fun p laying with him, and he had a heck of a night tonight.”

That goal came after a bit of luck on his first goal. Killorn threw the puck on the net as he spun around at the boards. It deflected off Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov’s leg and past Holtby to put the Lightning up 2 - 0.

Then in the final minute of the game, Killorn added an empty netter to round out that first hat trick.

“He was getting (ribbed) a little bit because he’s played a few games,” Cooper said. “But in the best way. (His teammates) were pretty excited for him.”

The Lightning collected its 55th win (55 - 13 - 4) and 114th point to establish franchise marks, breaking records set last season (54 - 23 - 5, 113 points).

Saturday’s game was another example of the Lightning’s scoring depth. It was wha t the Capitals commented on going into the game and what beat them in the end.

The Lightning scored six goals and none came from players named Stamkos, Kucherov or Point. Tampa Bay didn’t need them this time. Tyler Johnson scored the first goal of the gam e, with assists from Point and Kucherov. Erik Cernak had a nice goal in the third period to make it 4 - 2, and Yanni Gourde added another empty - netter in the final seconds.

“They know the depth of scoring is where it’s at,” Capitals coach said before the game. “Oftentimes, the top lines will cancel each other our and it’s your third - and fourth - line guys that are able to chip in offense and be the real difference makers, and for us last year, that was the case.”

Another difference maker for the Capitals last year was that physical presence. The Lightning is a stronger, more physical team that it was the last time these teams met, and it showed Saturday.

Tampa Bay set the tone in the first period. The Lightning outhit the Capitals 14 - 9 and outsc ored them 3 - 1.

Capitals forward T.J. Oshie said the game was won and lost in that first 20 minutes.

“Especially when you look down our lineup, our third and fourth lines need to be physical,” Killorn said. “Especially with a team that tries to, I don’t w ant to say intimidate you, but they come out and they want their presence to be felt. I think we did a good job of fighting that.”

The Lightning may not talk about its unceremonious exit from the playoffs last season, but Saturday’s game demonstrated that it hasn’t forgotten about it.

“You have to be able to look other teams in the eye,” Cooper said of the physicality. “We did that tonight.”

Ondrej Palat Article

Underrated Ondrej Palat continues to be the key to "unlock'' Tampa Bay Lightning Erik Erlendsson (Lightning Insider)

TAMPA – Up and down the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup, top tier talent is abundant.

Some standout at the top – Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point. Some garner attention – Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Then th ere’s the unheralded presence of Ondrej Palat, who continues to just go about his business of making things happen, usually for his teammates more often than himself.

Palat is the player who makes everyone around him better. Sometimes it takes someone’s a bsence to realize how much they actually bring to the ice.

Palat’s offensive game is never going to be confused for Nikita Kucherov.

In his sixth season, Palat has reached the 20 - goal mark just once and that was back in his rookie season of 2013 - 14. Only once has he eclipsed the 60 - point mark, that was in his second year.

While injuries have dragged down some of his offensive totals – he’s never played a full 82 - game season and ankle injuries have slowed him down significantly the past two seasons – Pala t has never been one to dazzle with plays that end up spotlighted on the highlight package.

But you can be sure, plenty of Palat’s plays show up the next day when the coaching staff dissects the game film and put together their own highlight session for t he team.

He “goes in and wins pucks and wins battles,’’ Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said. He “supports the puck.’’

Palat missed a month of action already this season, suffering a fracture in his foot after taking a puck off his skate against Vegas on Oct. 26. He returned to the lineup on Nov. 29, missing a total of 16 games. Though he was eased back in, starting that return game on the fourth line, it didn’t take long for him to work his way back up the lines and landed on the top line with Steven Sta mkos and Yanni Gourde.

Since his return, the Lightning have not lost in regulation time as Tampa Bay has posted a 14 - 0 - 1 record, the second longest stretch in franchise history without a regulation loss. For the season, with Palat in the lineup, the Light ning are 21 - 1 - 2; they are 10 - 6 without him.

It’s also more than just happenstance that Stamkos enjoyed the best goal - scoring month of his career, finishing December with 14 goals in 14 games. As Fox Sports Sun television analyst Brian Engblom, putting Palat on a line with Stamkos “unlocked’’ the two - time Rocket Richard Trophy winner.

”I just thought (Palat) was the missing piece to the line,’’ Engblom said of Palat’s addition to play with Stamkos and Gourde. “Yanni had been with Stammer for awh ile, the other (winger) had changed for a bit and was a little bit in flux when (Kucherov) left and Stammer had been so used to playing with Kuch. Yanni and he were getting there, but they play two different ways. . . . I can’t exactly explain it, to be ho nest with you, but all I know is as soon as (Palat) went on that line, they just got in synch.’’

Palat has played at even strength with Stamkos more than any other player on the Lightning this season. And though the Palat has only combined with Stamkos fo r four scoring plays this season, Palat often makes plays that indirectly result in scoring chances.

”He’s one of those guys that isn’t just measured by goals and assists,’’ Stmakos said. “He’s kind of the glue to our team in terms of the style of play th at he can adapt to. He’s very good in his own end, he’s so strong on the puck, he makes great reads out there. Whenever you are out for as long as he was, he wanted to get going right away, but you can tell that he has his timing back and see the confidenc e grow every time he’s out on the ice.’’

Rarely flashy, always steady.

”He’s a great player, he’s more of one of the more underrated players in the entire league,’’ Stamkos said. “But he’s meant a lot to our team and obviously for our line to have the su ccess it’s had.’’

And it all starts with the grunt work put in by Palat, who is a master of the puck battle.

”He’s so solid, he’s so strong,’’ Stamkos said. “He knows that’s a strong part of his game, he’s willing to go into those tough areas and win battles. Then when he has the puck, it’s not just winning the battles, it’s making the right play after, the skilled play after because he has that ability as well. Obviously we love it and we’re glad he’s healthy.’’

Brayden Point Article

Brayden Point b elongs in the MVP conversation, just don't ask the Tampa Bay Lightning center about himself Erik Erlendsson (Lightning Insider)

TAMPA – The NHL season is just past the quarter - mark of the season and trying to find new adjectives to describe the play of Br ayden Point just gets more and more difficult to conjure up.

Up, just like his notoriety around hockey circles. At least, in some circles.

While Point’s game is starting to gain attention when it comes to the conversation for top players in the league, h is season to this point is worthy of so much more.

Like consideration for the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

Here’s the one thing to keep in mind when it comes to Point – in a league full of star players and on a team full of star players – his name is not going to come to the forefront of the conversation surrounding the top players in the league.

But it absolutely should be right near the top.

He is not a top round draft pick. He is not a flashy player. Point won’t dazzle observers with some dipsy - do odle, goalie - mesmerizing toe drag that will show up on highlight reels.

Instead, he goes out and plays a simple, straight - forward game that translates in to winning hockey.

Now in his third season with Tampa Bay, Point helps the Lightning do a lot of win ning.

”The way he plays the game, the way he skates and makes reads, he’s always in the right spot defensively,’’ Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman said. “He’s a treat to watch and a treat to have him on the team. He’s a complete player and obviously we’ re fortunate to have him on our team.”

During his two - plus years in the league, Point has steadily become known for that defensive awareness when out on the ice. He is tasked most nights with having to face the opposing team’s top offensive line.

It’s a role Point has grown in to steadily over the past few seasons. It’s sort of how his role on the Lightning has developed since making the team out of camp as a rookie at the start of the 2016 - 17 season.

And to explain just how much the team brass thought o f Point, consider that since Steve Yzerman took over the team only one player has made the jump straight from junior to the NHL with American Hockey League eligibility – Brayden Point.

Even Nikita Kucherov spent 17 games in the AHL his first year as a pro .

Point’s game has evolved since then to the point when he has to be considered one of the top two - way center in the league.

”I think you just kind of understand the game more, you understand more of when you are going to have time and space, and systems and the guys you are playing with,’’ Point said. “And just the speed of the game, in your first year it’s such a jump but the more you play the more it becomes the speed of the game and you try to adapt on how you play on how fast it is.’’

And while we t end to think of Point in terms of his defensive awareness and understanding as he faces those top lines, perhaps we need to start looking at things from a different perspective.

Through 24 games on the season, Point is fifth in the league with 17 goals an d sixth in scoring with 31 points. He’s tied with Alex Ovechkin for third overall with seven power play goals. Point is tied for seventh among forwards with a plus - 11 rating.

With those sort of offensive numbers, maybe we have the whole matchup situation reversed.

”You have to flip the script sometimes, too, for when those lines have to play against Pointer,’’ captain Steven Stamkos said. “We are just talking about Pointer playing against those lines all the time because that’s how much respect everyone has for the guys he’s playing against. But I think you are going to start seeing that get flipped because of how good he is.”

Sometimes, the best defense is being good on offense.

”When he can be out there, and whoever is on his line and they ca n play with the puck most of the night and can play in the O - zone most of the night, it’s tough for the other line,’’ Stamkos added. “We always say as an offensive line, sometimes it’s tougher playing against another offensive line because if you make a mi stake it’s in the back of your net. So I look at it like that, that line is so good with Kuch, Pointer and Johnny, it’s not so much them shutting down the other line, it’s the other line trying to shut them down.’’

And that’s why Point belongs in the earl y season conversation for the Hart Trophy. He puts up the offensive numbers with the top players in the game and does so while facing some of the top offensive players in the league on a nightly basis.

Against Chicago he went up against the line and outscored them 3 - 1. Earlier this season it was the line and Point finished with five points. Facing Connor McDavid, Point’s line outscored the Oilers’ top line 2 - 0.

”It’s so early in the year and all that talk is probably a little un necessary right now, not so much unwarranted,’’ Stamkos said. “He’s one of the best players in the league, there is no doubt about that … (and) the depth is just incredible on this team and he’s a huge part of that. Let’s just say he remains in that conver sation.’’

Point would just assume remain buried in all of that depth on the team. Ever humble and never one to chase the spotlight, Point will let others talk about him.

He only cares about one thing when it comes to hockey.

”I just play,’’ he said. “I don’t really think about that or worry about that or pay much attention to that. I just play and try to help our team win. I don’t think about anything more than that, really.’’

He’ll just continue to let his play do the talking for him.

Ryan Callahan Article

Lightning alternate captain Ryan Callahan nominated for Masterton Trophy by Tampa Bay chapter of the PHWA Erik Erlendsson (Lightning Insider)

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay chapter of the Professional Hockey Writer's Association has nominated Tam pa Bay Lightning alternate captain Ryan Callahan for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Each of the 31 city chapters of the PHWA nominates a player for the award, with all 31 nominees to be announced at a later time. The full PHWA will then vote to chose a winner from the 31 nominees, with the three finalists announced in April and the winner announced at the annual NHL Awards Show in June.

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualit ies of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the regular season.

A grant from the PHWA is awarded annually to the Bill Masterton Scholarship Fund, based in Bloomi ngton, Minn., in the name of the Masterton Trophy winner.

The trophy was presented by the NHL Writers' Association in 1968 to commemorate the late William Masterton, a player for the , who exhibited, to a high degree, the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Masterton died on Jan. 15, 1968, after an injury sustained during a game.

The following is the announcement from the Tampa Bay chapter on Callahan's nomination:

Throughout his 13 - year career Ryan Cal lahan has battled through all sorts of bumps, bruises and injuries in order to stay in the lineup, whether that was with the New York Rangers or the Tampa Bay Lightning. A leader - by - example, Callahan always let his actions speak for his play but also knows when its time to speak up.

That part of his game has not changed one bit, even as his role has been reduced this season. Though still an integral part of the Lightning leadership group – he still wears an A on his sweater – Callahan has had to take a bac k seat as he was told he would be the 13th forward and would only be in the lineup if there were injuries to other players. Since the All - Star break, Callahan had only played in nine games through March 25.

But instead of pouting or complaining about his role, Callahan just went about his business, getting in extra work on his skating or his conditioning or any other aspect of his game in order to stay ready for when he his number was called again, continuing to let his actions speak volumes about his char acter and dedication to the game. When he has been called up, he has found ways to make an impact, including scoring a game - winning goal in a comeback effort against Carolina on March 21.

And even on the nights he is not in the lineup, Callahan continues to pay visits to guests through his charity, the Ryan Callahan Foundation, who come down following games.

The dedication and perseverance of Ryan Callahan, now and throughout his career, is why he is the Tampa Bay chapter nominee for the Bill Masterton Me morial Trophy.

Ryan McDonagh Article

Ryan McDonagh finally getting settled in Tampa Bay one year after ‘shocking’ trade to Lightning Joe Smith (The Athletic)

NEW YORK — Ryan McDonagh never wanted to leave the Rangers.

The veteran defenseman had spent most of his career (and adult life) in New York. McDonagh, the shy kid from St. Paul, Minn., arrived as a 21 - year - old fresh off his college days at Wisconsin. He remained a homebody most of his early Manhattan nights, playing “Call of Duty” with fellow Minnesotan and Rangers forward .

McDonagh not only went on to build a family here, but he also grew into the team’s heart - and - soul captain, a pillar on the blueline during playoff runs.

“He broke bones for t hat organization,” Stepan said.

So the trade to the Lightning at last year’s deadline — a year ago Tuesday — was not only a shock to the system for the then - 28 - year - old McDonagh, but it also broke his heart a little. McDonagh had held out hope he was stic king around, even through the Rangers’ approaching rebuild. He was on board.

New York GM Jeff Gorton didn’t want to trade McDonagh, either. That’s what he told agent Ben Hankinson as several teams made pitches for the shutdown defenseman, from the Capital s and Panthers to the Lightning.

“Gorton said all along, ‘I really don’t want to do this deal,'” Hankinson recalled. “‘I don’t want to trade him at all.'”

By that point, McDonagh said his head was spinning. Trade rumors on social media led him to shut do wn his Twitter account. An hour before the 3 p.m. deadline, Hankinson sent Gorton a text.

“Ryan doesn’t want to be traded,” Hankinson wrote. “But we’re at a point where we need to get a deal done.”

The blockbuster was announced later that afternoon, McDo nagh and wing J.T. Miller were heading to Tampa Bay for a package that included Vladislav Namestnikov, prospects Brett Howden and Libor Hajek and several draft picks. McDonagh headed south and helped lead the Lightning on a run to the Eastern Conference fi nal.

But it took McDonagh a while to fully wrap his head around it. The life - changing move lingered.

“He was so torn,” Hankinson said. “It was so tough to leave the Rangers in the state that they were in — not a good place. It’s not like he picked up and moved on and, all of a sudden, the sun was shining and everything was great in Tampa. It’s like heading out of town and leaving a babysitter. It was unsettling times.”

Flash forward one year and life is much different for McDonagh. He’s finally healthy, having battled through a sports hernia and broken hand in his final year with the Rangers. He’s put down roots, buying a South Tampa home and settling in with his wife, high school sweetheart Kaylee, 2 - and - a - half - year - old daughter, Falan, and French bulldo g Franny.

And McDonagh, feeling more comfortable in the Lightning dressing room and more confident in their system, is playing arguably the best hockey of his career. He’s anchoring Tampa Bay’s shutdown pair, blending beautifully with rookie Erik Cernak. He’s taking pressure — and minutes — off the shoulders of Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman.

Want to know why Tampa Bay didn’t add at this year’s trade deadline? Their acquisition of McDonagh a year ago might have been the missing piece of the puzzle, th e gift that keeps on giving.

“I didn’t realize he was as good as he is,” coach Jon Cooper said. “You see the Rangers three times a year, went against him in a playoff series in 2015, but if you remember, he was basically playing on one leg. Now that he’s back healthy, he was really good then, and now he’s just taken it to another level. He brings such a calm to the game, to the room. It seems like everything is buzzing 100 miles per hour around him and Mac is as cool as a cucumber. Guys pull those vib es into themselves and that rubs off.

“All of a sudden, now when games amp up and the pressure is on, everybody takes a step back and takes a deep breath and plays with some more composure. To go along with all the attributes Mac has — defending, playing 25 - 30 minutes a night, playing both ends of the rink — it’s that composure that has been a difference maker.”

“He was so torn,” said McDonagh’s agent Ben Hankinson of the trade from New York. “It was so tough to leave the Rangers in the state that they we re in — not a good place.” (Kim Klement / USA Today) This is not to say McDonagh wasn’t excited to join Tampa Bay a year ago. He was thrilled.

McDonagh understood that, with one year remaining on his contract (and no extension negotiations on the horizon) , he was a candidate to get moved — much like his predecessor as Rangers captain, Ryan Callahan, who was traded to Tampa Bay at the deadline in 2014.

McDonagh did hold some control over where he would land with a 10 - team no - trade list, but as his name was linked with several suitors, it weighed on him.

“Lot of thoughts go through your head,” McDonagh said. “You’re wondering where. Is it a team that’s going to contend? Or a team on the outside looking in?”

That McDonagh ended up with the Cup - contending Li ghtning, with several former Rangers teammates no less, made it a much smoother transition. The day McDonagh and Miller arrived in Tampa, former Rangers teammate Dan Girardi picked them up at their downtown hotel and took them out to dinner at American Soc ial. They shared a meal and a few drinks and discussed their new team and new city.

Like McDonagh, Girardi has young kids. At the time, Miller’s wife, Natalie, was expecting their first child, Scottlyn, who was born in late April.

McDonagh thought about the family he left behind, guys he had come up with.

Mats Zuccarello, for example, loved telling the story about his first Thanksgiving in the United States when the McDonaghs cooked for him. “We got a little drunk,” Zuccarello said. “I hadn’t scored in t he AHL before. Then after that night, I scored three goals in my next game.”

McDonagh thought about the fans.

Some of McDonagh’s favorite memories in New York were riding the subway to games at Madison Square Garden, where fans would recognize him and as k him questions — while still giving him space. He felt he could still live a normal life in the fishbowl of the mega - market. As McDonagh wrote in his farewell piece for The Players Tribune, “I played in the most famous arena in the world, in front of the best fans in the world, in the best city in the world, and I mean every word of it.”

“New York is not just any city,” Hankinson said, “it’s a cutthroat hockey culture with the fans and the population. For him to be one of the youngest captains in franchis e history and go from a Cup - contending team and him in charge to not being there in the end, he felt like he was bailing on the fans. That was the hardest thing. He didn’t get to finish what he started. It felt like he was leaving them.”

What made it more difficult was that McDonagh missed the first several games with the Lightning while nursing that right - hand injury. He wanted to come in and make an impact right away, but he couldn’t.

By the time the playoffs started, McDonagh got rolling and quickly became the type of “game - changer” the Lightning envisioned. Remember that marathon, three - minute, 24 - second shift against the Bruins in the second round?

Those Lightning players who had faced McDonagh for years — including in the 2015 Eastern Conf erence final — gained a whole new appreciation for him. When I asked Nikita Kucherov about McDonagh, the Hart Trophy favorite raved uninterrupted for three minutes.

“He’s really responsible; he sacrifices for the team,” Kucherov said. “He’s one of those g uys that never cheats the game. He’s always working on the little things. That’s what makes it tough going up against him: He’s really good with his stick and positioning. You feel like there’s no room, and he’s always on top of you. When you get the puck, he’s always there first.

“He’s a top defenseman in the league. He’s kind of in the shade of, guys you talk about, players like (Erik) Karlsson, (Brent) Burns, (Hedman), nobody talks about (McDonagh) as much, I guess. But he’s really, really good.”

McDon agh said it wasn’t until his first full camp with the Lightning that he started to feel completely comfortable.

He was healthy, which allowed him to use his trademark first two strides, the strength of his game. While McDonagh showed flashes of his leader ship in speaking up during tough moments in last year’s playoffs, he became fully integrated in the leadership group this time around.

“When he speaks, guys listen,” Kucherov said.

McDonagh provided some magical moments early on, including his game - chang ing strip in a 4 - 3 victory in Ottawa on Nov. 4. His plus - 27 rating is tied for second in the NHL, all while drawing the most difficult matchups (and being paired with a rookie). McDonagh is the first over the boards on the penalty kill, averaging 21:50 per game.

When Cooper was pushing McDonagh for Norris consideration back in November, he wasn’t kidding. Had McDonagh been a bigger point - producer, he may get more notoriety.

But his skills on the defensive end? He’s among the best in goals above replacemen t, per @EvolvingWild.

“When he’s playing like he is now, he’s one of the top D - men in the league,” Girardi said. “He’s really strong, a great skater. Defends very well. Creates stuff offensively. I’ve seen it for a long time. … He pretty much does it all. ”

Assistant Todd Richards said McDonagh complements Hedman, whose ice time has dropped more than three full minutes per game from last season (25:51 to 22:34). Those minutes add up and could allow Hedman to have more left in the tank for the playoffs.

“E veryone is feeling fresh,” Hedman said

McDonagh is also feeling more at home in Tampa.

He and his family have settled into their new house and are making friends outside of hockey. They’re also finding some of their favorite spots in town. They love taking Falan to the pier at Ballast Point.

“Usually wears her out pretty good between the pl ayground and deck there,” McDonagh said.

Falan is in preschool three days a week and participates in dance and soccer. She goes to the same school as backup goalie Louis Domingue’s daughter, Mila. For Falan’s second birthday last fall, the Lightning’s mas cot, ThunderBug, surprised her at McDonagh’s house.

Stepan said McDonagh sent him a text with a photo of the party.

“Every time I talk to him, he’s said nothing but good things about Tampa as an organization and living there,” Stepan said.

It didn’t tak e long for McDonagh to put down roots, signing a seven - year extension in July with an annual cap hit of $6.75 million. He was a year away from free agency, but he felt this town, this team, was a perfect fit.

“You feel part of the city, for sure,” McDonag h said. “And now part of the team.”

Yanni Gourde Article

In their own Words: Yanni Gourde on his new contract Yanni Gourde / TampaBayLightning.com

Throughout the season, tampabaylightning.com will periodically talk to Lightning players or coaches to get their first - hand account of a critical moment from the season or just what's on their mind currently.

In this installment, we hear from Lightning forward Yanni Gourde, who today signed a six - year contract that will keep him in a Tampa Bay sweater thro ugh the 2024 - 25 season.

Gourde had one of the most remarkable rookie seasons ever for a Lightning player last season, setting franchise rookie records for goals (25) and scoring (64 points) and recording the third - best plus/minus rating (plus - 34) for a se ason among all players in Lightning history.

Gourde has continued producing for the Bolts in 2018 - 19, notching four goals and 12 points in 12 games and ranking tied for second on Tampa Bay for scoring. And now, after signing a long - term deal to remain in Tampa Bay, Gourde will continue producing for the Bolts for many more seasons.

As told to tampabaylightning.com beat writer Bryan Burns, Gourde discusses why he signed with the Lightning now rather than testing the waters as an unrestricted free agent fol lowing the season, why he loves playing for Tampa Bay and how he went from an undrafted, unheralded player toiling in the ECHL to one of the NHL's most dynamic players.

"This place is amazing. It's so much fun to be a part of this. The organization is a great fit for me, the way we play, the way I play. The city is amazing. I never really even considered playing anywhere else. This is where I want to be. This is where my family wants to be.

My agent and (Lightning general manager) Julie n (BriseBois) were in preliminary talks over the summer about signing a long - term deal with the team. I think they wanted to keep me this summer, and obviously it didn't quite work out this summer but as soon as the season started I think Julien wanted to get a deal completed. They called my agent and tried to set it up as quick as possible. I think stability - wise, it's a great move for me and my family to sign a long - term deal here and not have to worry about what's going to happen after this season. My wi fe Marie [Marie - Andree Gourde] and I have traveled a lot throughout my career. It's going to be so much easier to be here for the next six years. We know everything about the area. Marie loves the area, is familiar with the area, feels comfortable here. It 's just great we have that stability and will be around the same team. We had a lot of talks about what was going to happen after this season was over, but it was still pretty early in the process to be honest. Our priority was to sign here, and it just ma kes so much sense. This organization is just a great fit for me hockey - wise, and it's a great fit for my family off the ice. It was an offer I couldn't refuse.

I worked pretty hard to get to this point. I think back to my year in Kalamazoo [in 2013 - 14]. M arie couldn't even come with me because she had to stay home for a few months. I was all by myself in Kalamazoo and I remember asking myself, 'What's going on? What am I trying to prove?' Every time I step on the ice, I want to improve and get better. I wa nted more. I wanted to, at that time, get back to the AHL. There were a few moments where I really doubted myself, like, 'What am I doing here? What's the end game here?' Before going to Kalamazoo, Marie and I had a talk and decided to just give it one las t shot and see where it led. I'm going to be forever grateful for that last shot because from that moment I always took a step forward and every year I wanted to get more. And it happened. I'm really proud of how it happened. My story's different from ever ybody else. I'm pretty proud of where I come from and how much work I put in.

There were a lot of doubting moments along the way for me to reach this point. There were a lot of people who doubted me along the way too. And I'm so grateful that I proved the m wrong every step of the way. Those doubters provided the fuel for me to keep going and prove people wrong. Even back in minor hockey when I was a kid, those doubts were just something that drove me. I wanted to be better just because I wanted to prove ev erybody wrong. I think I still feed off that. I just signed an incredible contract that will allow me to play with an organization I love and set up my family for life, but, for me, it doesn't stop there. I have to keep working and keep proving people wron g. Some people are going to say the Lightning paid me too much money or signed me for too long. I'm just going to go out there and prove people wrong and keep working my ass off and playing the same way. I'm the same person. I'm always going to be Yanni Go urde, and I'm always going to try to be relentless on the puck and be that type of hockey player."

Jan Rutta Article

Jan Rutta finds a fit in Lightning debut against Red Wings Mari Faiello (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA – Jan Rutta got the call Friday afternoo n around lunchtime.

He said the conversation went as those types of phone calls normally do for him, with the Lightning asking him to hop on a plane from Syracuse and fly down to Tampa.

It’s something he has gotten used to over the season, but it’s also something he’s always grateful for.

“It’s great to be here,” he said after Saturday’s morning skate. “It’s a great organization and the team’s doing really well.”

Before the game, Rutta hoped that the transition to playing with the team would allow him t o “fit in with the guys” and help the team win.

The 6 - foot - 3, 200 - pound defenseman made his Lightning debut Saturday night against the Red Wings, helping the team to a 3 - 2 win over Detroit.

With Dan Girardi and Anton Strålman out of the lineup with lower - body injuries, Rutta was needed on the ice this time. He wasn’t just flying up to play the part of a healthy scratch, as he did twice in February.

“I’m really happy I’m here right now,” Rutta said.

The defenseman paired up with Braydon Coburn for the Detroit matchup, logging about nine minutes on the ice over the course of 12 shifts. He made two shots on goal Saturday night, too.

Since his trade on Jan. 11 from Chicago to Tampa Bay, Rutta has been using his time in Syracuse to get better, to build his confidence and to work on the little things.

“I’ve gotten a lot of ice time up there which helps your confidence,” he said. “The coaches are really demanding but want to develop you as well.”

Since he has been training with the Lightning defensemen, he said he has been able to take away some good advice from his teammates.

“In general, it’s nice to be around such a spirited, close group,” he said.

A native of the who played there seven seasons before signing with the Chicago Blackhawks i n 2017, Rutta said he’s particularly close with fellow defenseman Erik Černák. Speaking the same language is a huge benefit, he chuckled.

Rutta, 28, also used to play on a national team with Ondřej Palát at one point, giving him a familiar face in the loc ker room.

“It’s nice to meet him here,” Rutta said. “But everyone’s been really nice to me so far.”

But Rutta’s debut wasn’t just for show. If anything, it proved the depth that this Lightning team possesses should it suffer multiple injuries happen duri ng its playoff run.

Coach Jon Cooper couldn’t have said it better than he did Saturday night following the Lightning’s 3 - 2 win over the Red Wings.

“Please, take this as a compliment, but I didn’t really notice him much out there,” Cooper said. “Every time he got the puck, he moved it and made the plays he had to make to adapt and he did really, really well.”

Braydon Coburn Article

How speedskaters, bobsledders and his dad sparked Braydon Coburn’s resurgence with Lightning Joe Smith (The Athletic)

TAMPA, Fla. — Retired wing and Flyers color analyst said broadcasters up in Philadelphia had the perfect adjective to describe veteran defenseman Braydon Coburn during his decade there.

“He’s a thoroughbred,” Jones said. “He can flat out fly and never get tired.

“Miles don’t seem to matter to him.”

There are plenty of miles on Coburn’s tires, the veteran having played in 875 games over 15 years in the NHL. One season he broke his foot three times (once thanks to a Nikita Kucherov shot). Yet Coburn is always among the most fit, fastest skaters when training camp rolls around.

There’s a reason for that.

Coburn, 33, spends his summers working out at the Canadian Olympic Training Center in Calgary with some of the best athl etes in the world. One year, he did drills and warmups with the bobsled team. Another summer, he picked the brains of the speedskaters.

“He never does the same thing two years in a row,” his father, Graydon Coburn, said.

This past summer? Coburn got tips from renowned skating coach Barb Underhill and Grant Point, father of Lightning All - Star Brayden Point, a Calgary native who works out at the same facility.

“He’s got a good eye for edge work and improving your stride,” Coburn said of Grant Point. “Once I skated with him a few times, I kind of understood where Point got it. Before Barb ever got her hands on ‘Pointer,’ his dad had a part in it.”

Coburn is no Point when it comes to foot speed, but, like the star center, he’s having a career season with the Lightning. Just when you thought time might catch up with Coburn, who is in the last year of his contract, he’s playing his best hockey since he was acquired by Tampa Bay at the 2015 trade deadline.

Coburn ranks second among team defensemen in goals (thr ee) and shots (45). He and second - year pro Mikhail Sergachev have combined for a formidable third pair, like they did in the Lightning’s run to the Eastern Conference final. Coburn’s Corsi - for percentage (team shot attempts when he’s on ice) at even streng th is 56.6 percent, a career high and best among Tampa Bay defensemen.

And it couldn’t have come at a better time, with veteran defenseman Anton Stralman (upper body) sidelined the past 10 games and Ryan McDonagh leaving Thursday with an undisclosed injur y in the first period. Coburn’s 23 minutes, 10 seconds of ice time Thursday was second to only Norris winner Victor Hedman (26:55).

“The confidence I got from playing in the playoffs really kind of elevated my game, and it carried over into this season,” Coburn said. “Just confidence - wise, I’m feeling good.”

Assistant coach Todd Richards said with Coburn, everything starts with his skating, and his decision making with the puck being his biggest improvement over previous seasons. You’ve seen Coburn being more assertive and aggressive, like he was on his goal off the rush against the Devils on Oct. 30.

“I think he’s really confident and playing more of a Victor Hedman style,” said Fox Sports Sun analyst Brian Engblom, a two - time Stanley Cup - winning d efenseman. “He’s such a good skater, he’s confident moving around the ice and what he should do and what he’s capable of doing. That would be the difference.

“He’s typically played a more confined game, and I don’t know if there’s a reason for that, or if they told him, but he’s opened up his game. He’s been more involved. The more involved you are, the better you feel.”

Coburn said he hasn’t been told to jump into the play more by coaches, but he’s feeling more comfortable in the team’s philosophy of get ting up in to the play.

“I definitely feel like my skating has opened up a lot for me; it’s helped me offensively,” Coburn said. “It’s helped me close gaps defensively, play quick defense. It gives me the opportunities to break out, find passing lanes. Ma ybe I wasn’t finding those lanes as easily as before when I wasn’t skating as much.”

Coburn also gives credit to Sergachev, who has “allowed us to flourish as a partnership.” The chemistry together has been natural, with Sergachev — the 20 - year - old Russia n — not the only one showing offensive instincts. Sergachev said Coburn has helped him with reads and play in his own end.

“I mean, ‘Coby,’ some might say he’s just a stay - at - home D, but I feel like he’s up in the play more than me,” Sergachev said, smili ng. “He’s a great all - around player. He scores goals. He shoots. He does everything. I like playing with a guy like that. We understand each other.”

This type of season by Coburn has to have the Lightning thinking about next season, when he, Stralman and Dan Girardi come off the books. It’s conceivable Tampa Bay approaches Stralman or Coburn to come back on a short - term, relatively cheap deal.

“It looks like Coburn has a few more years left in him,” Jones said.

At the very least, Coburn’s resurgence — an d rookie Erik Cernak’s emergence — could give GM Julien BriseBois a reason to stand pat when it comes to trying to acquire another blueliner before the trade deadline.

Stralman’s health will factor into that, however. Stralman appeared close to returning a couple weeks ago but apparently hit a bump in his recovery from his undisclosed upper - body injury. Stralman saw a doctor Tuesday, with the team saying he’ll continue treatment and be re - evaluated next week.

Does the latest checkup make the Lightning mor e optimistic about Stralman’s prognosis?

“It’s hard to say,” coach Jon Cooper said. “We’re exercising every option trying to help him out. And it’s a little bit more of a waiting game for Strals. Hopefully, this will end up rectifying himself soon and he’ ll be back.”

Coburn has helped pick up the slack in Stralman’s absence. He’s found a way to reach peak form at a time when many guys slow down.

“It’s confidence, and it’s about maturity sometimes,” Coburn said. “Even if you’re a veteran player, I think y our game keeps maturing. You understand plays and where there are opportunities. There was a lot of internal competition this year, and that helped, too.”

Coburn will likely go back to train at Olympic Park next summer, too. He points out it was not like he was pushing any bobsleds or beating any speedskaters, but there’s no harm in trying to find any edge.

“You’ve got to work at it,” Coburn said. “The game is only getting faster. It’s about making decisions with the puck and without the puck. Your job is to keep your conditioning and try to prove yourself. Being around some good people, they helped me grow my skating and, from a hockey player’s standpoint, find another level.”

Streak - snappers The Sabres entered Thursday’s showdown with a 10 - game winning streak, the feel - good story of the season so far in leading the Eastern Conference in points.

But coach Phil Housley knew Tampa Bay, a veteran team with th ree deep playoff runs in four years, would be the true test.

“At one point or another, it has to go through them,” Housley said.

The Lightning flexed their muscles with a strong showing, heavily outshooting and out - chancing Buffalo in the first two perio ds. At one point it was 24 - 11 in shots and 17 - 6 in scoring chances.

“They were the top team in the league coming into our building and wanted to send a message,” Girardi said. “But it was a really good first period for us, very physical. Fans were into it . A very enjoyable game.”

The Lightning should have been up big, but a few shaky goals allowed by Louis Domingue made it a 3 - 3 game entering the third period. Tampa Bay trailed 4 - 3 before Steven Stamkos’ big - time power - play goal four minutes into the thir d. Cedric Paquette was the unlikely hero with the winner with six to go.

“To go down 4 - 3, and the guys were extremely positive on the bench,” Cooper said. “They felt like this was their game. We felt we deserved to win.”

Banged - up blueline It didn’t look good early on, with the Lightning losing both Girardi and McDonagh to first - period injuries. Girardi had to be helped off the ice after a knee - to - knee collision with Tage Thompson, but he returned later in the period.

“Got pretty lucky,” Girardi said. “J ust a little bump.”

McDonagh wasn’t so lucky. He was pushed from behind by Sabres captain and went head first into the boards. McDonagh was getting evaluated Thursday night with the team saying they’d know more Friday on his status. It was mor e of a careless hit than a dirty one by Eichel, who realized it and checked in on McDonagh before getting smashed by Anthony Cirelli. Could see Eichel get a fine for that one.

McDonagh has been the Lightning’s best defenseman this year, so any absence wil l be a big blow. Tampa Bay is carrying seven defensemen, so Slater Koekkoek could slide in. Cameron Gaunce is the closest to an NHL - ready call - up, having played a few dozen games in the league.

Fatigued Domingue? It might be time for goalie Louis Domingue to get a breather.

Domingue, who started for the ninth consecutive game Thursday, was shaky, allowing four goals in his first 14 shots. The second one, by Sam Reinhart, went in off Domingue’s blocker. On Reinhart’s second goal, Domingue tried to slide out on a centering feed and it got through him.

But give Domingue credit for bouncing back and making the save of the game, a glove stop on Kyle Okposo with around nine minutes left and the game tied 4 - 4.

“That was nice,” Girardi said, “Really long shift and a big save like that calmed things down, and it really turned it around for us.”

The Lightning recalled goalie prospect on Thursday, allowing Eddie Pasquale a chance to go back to Syracuse and play. It would make sense to give Dom ingue a break either Saturday in Florida or on the back - to - back Monday and Tuesday in New Jersey and Detroit.

But Cooper stood behind Domingue, who has won six of eight starts since Andrei Vasilevskiy went down with a fractured foot.

“You can dissect eve ry goal that was scored in the game. But when the game is on the line and you need a save, did you get the save?” Cooper said. “And we got the save. He had a couple big ones for us. Gave us a chance to go ahead and find a way to win this one.”

Kucherov on target Nikita Kucherov entered Thursday with a team - high 33 points (in just 25 games) and nine goals.

But he still wasn’t pleased with his overall performance this season.

“Not at all,” Kucherov told me pregame. “Not where I’m supposed to be.”

Kucherov felt like there have been plays he’s missed, turnovers he’s forced. And, at times, he’s been too unselfish in making the extra pass.

“I need to shoot more,” he said. “Get back to that shoot mentality.”

And Kucherov did just that in one of the game’s big gest moments Thursday. Kucherov was freed on a three - on - one with five to go in the first. Right - shots Brayden Point and Tyler Johnson were both open on his right and left, respectively.

But Kucherov ripped a wicked wrist shot above the right shoulder of C arter Hutton, giving the Lightning a 3 - 2 lead. He also delivered one of his more emotional celebrations of the season, a dramatic fist - pump.

“To be honest, I think everybody in the building thought (Kucherov) was going to pass it — and so did the goalie,” Cooper said. “That’s why he had the net he had to score. He had a bang - bang play set up for him. But a great play by him.”

Nuts and bolts Ondrej Palat returned after missing 16 games with a foot injury and looked good, a plus - one with two shots a nd two hits in 14:22 of ice time. “Biggest thing you look at are the player’s timing and stamina,” Cooper said. “And he passed both with flying colors.”

Paquette’s game - winner, which gave him five goals on the season, was deserving, as his line with Ryan Callahan and Palat was strong all night. “(Paquette) was outstanding,” Cooper said.

Meanwhile, rookie Mathieu Joseph was moved up to the top line with Stamkos and Yanni Gourde, but by the end was back in the bottom six.

Stamkos had another strong night in the dot, winning 11 - of - 15 faceoffs (73 percent).

Danick Martel Article

Danick Martel makes impact as late addition to Lightning lineup Diana C. Nearhos (Tampa Bay Times)

VANCOUVER — Danick Martel was walking down the street, on his way over to the rink, less than 15 minutes before the start of the game when he got a text: He was now playing. The Lightning forward broke into a run.

"I was not really ready for it," Martel said after Tuesday's 5 - 2 win over Vancouver. "I was walking pretty slowly, on my phone."

It's common for players not in the lineup to arrive shortly before the game starts. It's not common for the lineup to change between warmups and puck drop.

Ryan Callahan got hurt during warmups — an "upper - bo dy" injury that coach Jon Cooper declined to discuss other than to say he hoped it was short - term — and Martel was in for the first time since Nov. 10. No small task.

"I was expecting absolutely nothing," he said. "I think everyone would think I would hav e a bad game. 'He's just going to play two or three minutes, maybe one, two shifts, and just feel it out, cover some shifts.' But I wanted to make a difference."

Martel has only played six games this season, four with the AHL Crunch and two with the Lightning, so he needed to make the most of his opportunity. Not only did Martel participate in the conditioning skate for scratched players Tuesday morning, he didn't get to warm up Tuesday night.

"My warmup was dressing," he said. "Everyone was already walking onto the ice. I listened to the anthem, was thinking about the system a bit and then the puck dropped and I tried to play my best."

Maybe the low expectations helped Martel. He recorded his first NHL point, assisting Cedric Paquette on a big goal late in the first period. And it was a nice one: a spin - o - rama blind pass to Paquette in the slot.

"I think I closed my eyes on that one," he said. "Ceddy screamed and I got scared, I don't know. But I do this a lot. I just try to grab the D on my shoulde r and spin, and find an open guy."

Paquette called it an unreal pass. They played together for two years on the Blainville - Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Major Juniors Hockey League, where he said he saw Martel do it a couple of times.

That wasn't the e nd of Martel's impact. He became Vancouver enemy No. 1 with a hit that took Troy Stecher out of the game. The contact was shoulder - to - shoulder but it came from Stecher's blindside and he couldn't brace for it. He was slow to get up and had to be helped off the ice. Martel was emphatic that it was a good hit.

"The way it felt on my shoulder was really a shoulder," he said. "I tried to cross my foot in front of his and go for the puck. I know my elbow came up at the end, but I think when the shoulder hits a guy, the elbow always comes up. I think my hit was a good hit. I had the puck after, that's what you want."

Martel was called for interference but the Canucks wanted more. It was already a chippy game, but got more so. In the next scrum after the whistle a few players ganged up on Martel (who is generously listed at 5 - foot - 8) and he took a tough uppercut.

He knew he was going to be the center of attention after the hit and wanted to show he wasn't going to back down. He felt not backing down was important to prove he can play in this league.

"Things were going for him tonight," Cooper said. "For someone that wasn't in the lineup 15 minutes before the game, he sure showed up on the scoresheet."

It's been a crazy season for Martel, who was claimed off waiv ers in September. His car is in Allentown, where Philadelphia's AHL affiliate plays, his stuff is spread out between there, Syracuse and Tampa. At 24 - years - old, he's just trying to show what he can do when given a chance in this league.

Martel joked he mi ght also get to the rink two hours early from now on, even when he's a scratch, just in case.

Anthony Cirelli Article

Anthony Cirelli proving to be the type of player who "drags the team in to the fight''

Erik Erlendsson (Lightning Insider)

TAMPA – Anthony Cirelli hunts down pucks like Eliot Ness chased down bootleggers – he just won’t quit.

Cirelli will chase down an opponent deep in to the defensive zone, draped all over their back from the blue line all the way back to the end line. Sometimes, he forces a turnover. Sometimes he steals the puck. And sometimes, as he did on Dec. 10 against the New York Rangers, he will steal the puck and score a goal.

The doggedness approach to the game is infectious. It rubs off on those around him.

Cirelli is th e type of player who “drags the team into the fight.’’.

High praise for a 21 - year - old in his first full NHL season. But it’s well warranted with his play.

The former third - round pick in 2015 has built his brief hockey career around the approach to never stop working, never quitting and continuing to push forward no matter what stands in his way.

From undrafted in junior hockey to champion to important cog on a Stanley Cup contending team, Cirelli knows only one way to approach the game.

”It started back in junior having never been drafted in to the () so I kind of had to grab that mentality pretty early,’’ Cirelli said. “I just had to keep going, keep trying.’’

And there is the key phrase that describes Cirelli – keep g oing, keep trying. Call it the Dory motto “Just keep going, just keep trying.’’

”Tony is a guy who works hard and just quietly does his thing,’’ said fellow rookie forward Mathieu Joseph, a frequent linemate of Cirelli’s last year in Syracuse as well as t his season. “When you see a guy working hard like Tony does, getting chances and good things happening for him, it definitely brings the team together. It definitely gives the team momentum during games but also like “Oh my gosh, this guy is working so har d, he’s trying to help the team to win”, and that brings everyone in the same direction.’’

It’s easy to get a little spoiled watching Cirelli play all while remembering he still has not played a full season in the NHL and only has one season of profession al hockey under his belt. In his rookie pro season with Syracuse, Cirelli had 14 goals and 37 points in 51 games before he was called up to the Lightning on March 1 and made his debut against the . All he did was pick up his first career goal a nd assist, finished as a plus - 2 and registered two hits in 15 shifts that totaled 8:14 of ice time.

He hasn’t looked back since and has become a stalwart in centering Tampa Bay’s third line. That includes during the Lightning’s run to the Eastern Conferen ce finals last season, appearing in all 17 postseason games, scoring twice with three points while averaging 13:11 in ice time.

When you track Cirelli’s career path, it’s no surprise he continues to carve out a course with a similar approach to his game. After earning his way as a walk - on with the in the OHL, he went on to score both goals for the Generals in the 2015 Memorial Cup championship game, tying the game in the second period before scoring 1:28 in to overtime to capture the title.

The Lightning saw something in the 6 - foot, 160 - pound center (at the time) to select him in the third round of the 2015 draft. And he’s just continued to get better and better, first being selected for Team Canada at the 2017 World Junior Championships, h elping lead the to a silver medal and then being a key trade deadline acquisition in the OHL, going from Oshawa to powerhouse Erie where he again was an instrumental player in leading the Otters to the Memorial Cup Final before losing to Windsor and Mikhail Sergachev in the championship game.

Now, here he is, once again showcasing his desire and will to be a difference maker in any way he can.

”He probably doesn’t see it, naturally because he’s on the ice, but the way he plays he can drag the team into the fight,’’ head coach Jon Cooper said. “It’s hard to go out on the next shift after following his shift and not give the same type of effort.’’

A team can’t have enough of those type of players, those who lead the way with their play, not seek ing attention and ensuring team comes before self. It’s pulling the team in to the battle.

”It’s just the way you work on the ice every shift,’’ said winger Ryan Callahan, who’s been described in the same manner. “For Cirelli, he competes for pucks, winni ng puck battles, never giving up on a backcheck. You sit on the bench and you see a guy go that, it makes you want to go out there and do it. You see a guy working that hard and you realize your next shift, you have to follow that up. I think on the bench when you see that, it just lifts the guys up and realize we have to match his energy and his work ethic.’’

Not yet halfway through his first full NHL season, Cirelli is showing what his game is all about.

In 36 games, he has scored nine goals while addin g 14 points to go with a plus - 12 rating while averaging 14:19 of ice time. Cirelli’s worth is showcased, however, on the penalty kill.

Cirelli has seen nearly a quarter of his ice time this season – 22.2 percent – come while shorthanded. He’s second on th e Lightning with 93:30 of total shorthanded ice time through 36 games, which ranks sixth among all forwards in the league as of Dec. 22, while his average of 2:36 per game on the penalty kill is third overall and the most among Tampa Bay forwards by more t han 30 seconds.

But he’s also a threat offensively while on the PK as he already has three shorthanded goals on the season, tied for third most in the league. And all three have been clutch – opening night against Florida in the third period that tied the game and led to a victory; Dec. 6 against Boston in the third period that proved to be the game - winner and then Dec. 13 against Toronto when he stripped William Nylander of the puck and went on to tie the game in the first period.

”You see his work ethic , the compete on pucks . . . he’s never out of a play,’’ captain Steven Stamkos said. “Whether it’s a poke check or a stick check or his skating ability, he’s able to create turnovers. You see him battle and he just finds a way and that’s obviously very co ntagious to see a guy that young. But to me, it’s been like that since day one that he’s always found a way to get it done at every level and it’s a joy to watch.’’

He sets a tone every time he steps on the ice for every shift. Cirelli knows no other way than to “drag the team into the fight.’’

”The one word I would use is inspiring, that’s what he does,’’ Cooper said. “Just his work ethic and the way he plays. We talk a lot about playing the right way and that’s Cirelli does and it just garners a ton of respect from his teammates to watch him play like that.’’

Adam Erne Article

Behind Adam Erne’s breakthrough season for Lightning Joe Smith (The Athletic)

TAMPA, Fla. — Adam Erne was a man on a mission Saturday night.

It was midway through the third period, with the Lightning down a goal, having blown another lead. Erne, 23, and his new linemates, Yanni Gourde and Anthony Cirelli, were trying to provide a spark with some offensive zone pressure. Erne used his 6 - foot - 1, 214 - pound frame to drive the net, creating a scoring chance. It didn’t work out, but he continued to battle, jostling for position in front of the crease with Canadiens Victor Mete.

“It seemed like (Erne) had the puck for a full 30 seconds on that shift,” Gourde said.

“‘Big Ern,'” Victor Hedman said, “was the best player on the ice.”

Erne ended up cashing in, collecting a loose puck in front and backhanding it in to tie it at 5 - 5. He’d score again, this time on a slick snipe with a minute left, to give Ta mpa Bay the dramatic win, and Erne a signature moment in his NHL career. Two goals, one assist, and the game’s No. 1 star.

“It was the kind of night you dream of,” Erne said.

This season has been a coming - out party for Erne, a 2013 second - round pick who is finally finding his footing in the league. He was feeling good last year until a torn groin muscle prematurely ended his season in March. Now, on arguably the league’s deepest forward group, Erne is making a case to stick in the lineup. He has 14 points (six goals) in 25 games, a plus - 6.

“This is by far the best I’ve felt at this level,” Erne said.

What’s been the difference? Erne credits his revamped summer workout schedule, a blend of football field sprints and on - ice simulation. He did so with two n ew trainers, with his regular one unavailable due to a personal matter.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Erne said. “It was the best thing to happen to me,”

Intense offseason workouts Erne made a bit of a splash last season, appearing in 23 games as th e Lightning neared the playoffs.

But a groin injury ended up sidelining him longer than he thought. It took a few weeks into the summer for him to feel 100 percent, but he knew there was a lot of work to do.

Erne felt good, at times, but noticed he would get fatigued late in games. He couldn’t deliver the desired consistency shift to shift.

“By the end of the game, I’d be exhausted,” he said.

A friend up in Connecticut connected him with Anthony Grasso, 28, a strength and conditioning coach who worked with UConn football and formerly the University of Alabama. Erne, built like a running back, loves football, and was open to different workouts.

“He said, ‘I want to run like (Cowboys running back) Ezekiel Elliott,” Grasso said.

Erne would typical ly start his days doing workouts with Grasso. They’d do tempo runs, where Erne would run 100 yards (at 75 percent effort) on the football field at Sheehan High in Wallingford, Conn. He’d then drop and do 10 push - ups, then 30 seconds rest. Then he’d do it a gain.

Grasso said these runs were a way of forcing him to be “comfortable being uncomfortable,” with the goal of building up his stamina and recovery time, which looms large between shifts. They started at a combined 1,600 meters in 100 - meter tempo runs t o, by the end of the summer 3,200.

“This was going to allow him to feel like he can consistently repeat those high - quality efforts on the ice,” Grasso said. “On the bench, the aerobic system kicks in the recovery and he’s back out there.

‘I feel like I c an go, go, go’ The off - ice workouts were only half the battle. In the early afternoons, Erne hooked up with Karl Linden of Konquer Hockey for more game - like situations. Linden said he watched film of Erne’s shifts in games he played for both AHL Syracuse a nd the Lightning the previous two seasons. Linden picked out certain movements that Erne did the most, like coming out of corners, doing net - front battles, shooting off the rush. Linden did his best to simulate those actions with 30 - 40 seconds drills. They ’d do an hour skate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“By breaking it down, understanding where and when he needs to make certain moves, it just makes him a lot more efficient,” Linden said. “That’s what we were working on — driving wide, taking the puc k in front of the net. In and out of the corners. Adam had to battle his way to the net and try to tip pucks. I feel it helped him understand where he was the most effective.”

Erne could feel the difference when he arrived in Lightning training camp in Se ptember. Whether it was in practices or exhibition games, he never felt limited.

“I feel like I can go, go, go,” Erne said. “No matter what ice time I’m given, I can turn around and get right back out there for the power play or penalty kill. Before, I wa s gassed.”

Creative and aggressive Erne got his chance to be in the lineup partly thanks to an upper body injury to J.T. Miller, who is week to week. Erne had been a staple up front while Ondrej Palat was injured, but got sick in early December. He said i t was like the flu. A bad one.

“I lost 10 pounds in one day,” Erne said. “It was brutal.”

It took him a few games to get back into his rhythm, but the past week Erne looks like his old self. He assisted on Gourde’s goal Saturday, jumping off the bench be fore firing a shot that Gourde deflected. Erne is feeling more comfortable making plays, having the confidence to be creative and aggressive in the offensive zone.

“As you play more and more games, you realize how much time you do have out there,” Erne sa id. “The beginning, when you get called up, you get tunnel vision. You don’t see the ice as well as you have before. It seems frustrating, but you just get used to it after getting the reps.”

Erne had no hesitation on Saturday’s game - winner. He positioned himself in the right circle, and when Gourde hit him with a short pass, Erne immediately ripped a sneaky wrist shot — bar down.

“There’s a little bit of awe - struck when you get to the NHL,” coach Jon Cooper said. “You play your first game and it’s, ‘Holy cow, I made it.’ Then that wears off and you have to understand the fight it took to get you to that spot. You need to keep doing that to stay in the lineup and play. Adam’s been doing that. He’s paid his dues in the minors and he’s paid his dues her e. He’s put in a lot of work and he’s being rewarded for it.”

Erne, deservedly, was named the game’s No. 1 star. Linden, watching back home in Connecticut, was happy to see their on - ice simulations pay off.

“Wow, what a performance,” Linden said. “We wor ked on a lot of that stuff throughout the summer.”

Take Erne’s first goal, his net - front battle and backhand. How many times did he do that in the offseason drills?

“So many,” Erne smiled, shaking his head. “So many.

“But it worked.”

Dream come true

Y anni Gourde’s 100th career point Saturday will never be forgotten by a certain 8 - year - old kid from Quebec.

Benjamin Roy, 8, battling a brain tumor, wrote a letter through the Make - A - Wish foundation to see if he could meet Gourde, who grew up outside of hi s hometown of Sainte Marie. Through cooperation with the Lightning Foundation, Roy’s dream came true Saturday. Roy was Gourde’s special guest for the day, joining him in the dressing room for post morning - skate interviews. Roy was the “ThunderKid,” who cam e out on the ice before warmups, standing next to Gourde for the anthems. Gourde put his hand on Roy’s shoulder throughout.

“When his dad saw him on the ice, I saw some tears in his eyes,” said the Lightning Foundation’s Missy Davis. “It was very sweet.”

Roy watched the Lightning victory from a suite, getting a kick out of seeing a video clip of him from the morning featured on Fox Sports Sun’s broadcast. “He was like, ‘Hey, that’s me!’” Davis said.

Gourde, who was in a 10 - game goal drought, had promised Roy that if he scored that night, he’d give him the puck. So when Gourde deflected an Erne shot for Tampa Bay’s first goal, he didn’t forget. Gourde met up with the family postgame to deliver the souvenir, posing for pictures with them.

“It was special f or him and special for me, to be able to put a smile on his face,” Gourde said.

Roy has one more chemo treatment left for his tumor, Davis said, but it hasn’t stopped him from being active. Roy’s father, Michel, said Benjamin plays hockey (a left - shot def enseman) on a team back in Quebec. They have a tournament Friday. He’ll have a lot to brag about with his teammates.

“This was amazing,” Michel said. “He won’t forget it.”

Where’s the ‘D’?

When veteran defenseman Dan Girardi entered the dressing room after Saturday’s win, he couldn’t help but crack a joke.

“We’re going to beat everyone 6 - 5,” he yelled.

It certainly seems that way.

For the second straight game, Tampa Bay had blown a third - period lead. They coughed up a three - goal cushion in Thur sday’s 6 - 5 overtime win over the Flyers, then recovered late to beat Montreal by the same score. Though the Lightning is unbeaten in regulation in December (12 - 0 - 1), they’ve allowed three goals or fewer just six times.

As much as Tampa Bay should get cred it for finding ways to come back and win games, no matter the deficit, the league’s highest - scoring team needs to be better protecting its own net. GM Julien BriseBois said with the caliber of goaltending and players on this team, they’re capable of much m ore defensively.

“We’ve got to grow a little bit more here in that regard and not expect the track meet game,” Cooper said. “Although we can play it, it’s not the ideal formula as we move forward.”

The Lightning found the right formula in the third perio d, playing a tighter game and controlling play to cap the comeback. It could serve as a model going forward.

“Just look in the third,” Hedman said. “We simplify our game. We don’t spend unnecessary time in our own end. We’re winning battles. We get pucks out when we don’t have a play. When you have a good team, it’s easy to get caught in making the perfect play all the time. You have to be satisfied sometimes just by chipping pucks out and going on the forecheck.”

Victor Hedman Article

How Swede it Is: V ictor Hedman ecstatic as Lightning, Sabres will play in Stockholm for NHL’s Global Series Joe Smith (The Athletic)

When Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman would watch other NHL teams and their European players head overseas for Global Series games, he confessed to being “a little bit jealous” that some got to play in front of their home fans.

Next season, Hedman, 28, a native of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, will finally get his chance.

The league announced Thursday that the Lightning will play the Buffalo Sabres in Stockholm, Sweden, on Nov. 8 - 9 in a Global Series showdown. The Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers will play in Prague in the Czech Republic on Oct. 4.

The Lightning - Sabres showdown will feature Hedman, th e Norris Trophy winner, and Buffalo’s Swedish defenseman , the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 NHL Draft.

Other Swedes likely to be in action include the Sabres’ Johan Larsson and Linus Ullmark and Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman, assumi ng he is re - signed this summer.

How Swede it is, especially for Hedman, whose hometown is six hours away.

“It’s just going to be a once - in - a - lifetime experience,” Hedman said. “I get to go over there with my team and my teammates and spend some time in m y home country during the season. It’s going to be something I’ll cherish forever.”

The Athletic first reported back in November that the Lightning were likely heading to Sweden, but now it’s official. For years, owner Jeff Vinik had pushed to have Tampa Bay participate in an international game. The last time the Lightning played overseas was in Prague in October 2008, captain Steven Stamkos’ rookie season. The franchise went through a rough period in the subsequent years, with CEO Steve Griggs admitting t he brand was nearly “dead” when Vinik took over in 2010.

But under Vinik, Tampa Bay has seen a renaissance both on and off the ice. The Lightning reached the Eastern Conference final in three of the last four seasons, and they were ranked the No. 1 franch ise in professional sports by ESPN’s Ultimate Standings in 2016. Tampa Bay has had 165 consecutive sellouts at Amalie Arena.

“All of us point to everything (Vinik) has done in Tampa as a model,” commissioner said during the playoffs.

Lightni ng GM Julien BriseBois has seen the tangible benefits of overseas trips, having taken his Syracuse AHL team to Lyon, France, and his Hamilton AHL team to Edinburgh, Scotland, in recent years.

“It’s going to be a great life experience and bonding experienc e for our players,” BriseBois said. “I’m sure some players on our team have never been to Europe. For a week we’ll all be together, discovering what is for many of us a foreign land and get to play hockey in a very strong hockey culture.

“But a different hockey culture.”

BriseBois has already picked Hedman’s brain on the facilities and logistics in Stockholm as the team is planning on making it a week - long trip, which should allow them time to adjust both flying there and back. BriseBois spoke to other GM s who have played in the Global Series the past few years for tips.

The fact that the Lightning were chosen is another indication of how much their brand has grown. You can bet there will be many fans who will try to make the trip.

Tickets for the Global Series games will go on sale Wednesday, Mar. 27 at 4 a.m. ET (9 a.m. CET) on www.livenation.se. The organization is looking into fan travel package options. Season ticket holders will receive an email with a link to sign up for more information once it is available.

Tickets for the game in Prague between Chicago and Philadelphia will be available the same day and time at www.livenation.cz.

“It’s an honor and flattering the league picked us, and they certainly didn’t have to,” BriseBois said. “They have teams that will be excited to be part of this. I think our players are going to be excited. We’ve essentially had the same group of players for a few years and probably will have the same group of players for a few years going forward. This is an oppo rtunity to have our season be different from the others. This breaks up what is honestly a very long 82 - game regular - season schedule.”

But it’ll be a dream come true for at least one Lightning player.

“That’s going to be very special,” Hedman said. “Some of these guys, (captain Steven Stamkos) and I’ve played with over a decade. We’ve been together with this group for a long time. This is my second home. To return to my home country with this organization means a lot to me. I think it’s going to be great that it’s not the opening games but in the middle of the season. There’s going to be four points there for the taking. First and foremost, we go over there to win those games, but at the same time, it’s going to be nice to spend some time in Sweden. I have n’t been home during the season for a very long time, so it’s going to be awesome.”

Erik Cernak Article

In their own words: Erik Cernak Erik Cernak / TampaBayLightning.com

Throughout the season, tampabaylightning.com will periodically talk to Lightning players or coaches to get their first - hand account of a critical moment from the season or just what's on their mind currently.

In this installment, we hear from rookie defenseman Erik Cernak, who was recalled to Tampa Bay from AHL Syracuse on November 13 and has been a mainstay in the Lightning lineup ever since.

On February 2, in his 31st career NHL game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers, Cernak scored his first NHL goal by beating future Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Henrik Lundqvi st, setting off a raucous celebration on the Bolts' bench. Cernak's goal was a pivotal one too as it came early in the second period and gave the Lightning a 2 - 0 lead in a game they would hold on to win 3 - 2.

As told to tampabaylightning.com beat writer Br yan Burns, Cernak discusses how his first NHL goal came to be, what it meant to see the smiling faces on the bench from his teammates after scoring and how his life has changed after being told by Lightning management to find a permanent place to live in T ampa because he would be with the team for the duration of the season.

"I was waiting for my first goal over 30 games. I didn't really think too much about not being able to score. I came to Tampa just wanting to play my game all the time, be good for th e team, help the team win games. I had a lot of chances for my first goal prior to the game against the Rangers, so I knew it was coming. Now that I've scored it, I'm glad I don't have to think about it anymore, just play my game and hopefully that goal wo n't be my last one.

Scoring was a really big deal for me. When I scored, I was really excited. I didn't know what to do. My celebration was really crazy. I mean, it was in New York, at Madison Square Garden and against Henrik Lundqvist. I think that's the best first NHL goal I could have scored. After the game I was talking with the guys and the coaching staff and they told me that was the best thing that could have happened. I think I was pretty lucky for that and it will be good memories for me.

On my s coring play, we break the puck from our zone and there was, I think, a 3 - on - 2. I thought I could beat their forward, so I jumped in the rush. It was a great play by Cally [Lightning forward Ryan Callahan], a great pass. When I got the puck, I knew I was go ing to shoot it. I saw open space under Lundqvist's glove. And I had time to shoot. Right after Cally passed it to me, I thought, 'This is my chance.'

Cally played a lot of games in New York for the Rangers. I think that was a really cool thing that he was the one to set up my first goal. I feel like that's going to be a good memory for me when I think back about that play. Cally went and picked up the puck o ut of the net for me. He gave it to the equipment managers, and they're getting it framed for me.

I didn't know how it was going to be when I scored my first NHL goal. Your first is a special one. Everybody was really excited for me. Everybody was happy. I saw so many smiles on faces on the bench. I was really happy, and, for sure, those guys help me a lot here, so you can see how close we are. Such a good group of guys, and I love it here. When I saw the pictures after the game from the celebration, every body was smiling, everybody was happy with me. That was a good feeling.

After the game, it felt like everybody that I know from , all my old coaching staffs, my old teammates, my friends, my family, everybody was texting me. Everybody from the U.S . was texting me too, from my old teams the and Syracuse Crunch and from everywhere. That was pretty crazy the day after reading all of those messages. I called my parents right after the game because they watch every game. The time change is s ix hours from here to Slovakia, so when the game starts at 7:30 here, it's 1:30 a.m. for them. But they try to watch every game. They were proud when I played my first NHL game because that was my goal and their goal too. They were doing everything for me when I was back home in Slovakia. They support me all the time. I'm really happy I have them and all my family. It's a great feeling when I know they're watching every game and they know what I'm doing on the ice.

My goal for this season was to make it to Tampa and stay with the team. I had a really good training camp. They sent me down and told me I have to keep working hard in Syracuse and that I would come up soon and it happened. Since the first day I got here, my thinking was I have to stay here, I ha ve to play my game and be good every game and every practice. Not too long ago I found out I'm staying in Tampa for good, so it feels good to achieve my goal. I made it, and now I just have to keep working harder and harder. Management told me to start loo king for a permanent place to live in Tampa, so I found a pretty nice spot on Harbour Island. I'm excited about that. I was in a hotel for about two - and - a - months, which is kind of hard because you have to eat out a lot and everything. Now, I'm in my place, my car is here, everything. During the bye week, I flew to Syracuse to get my car, which I had shipped back to Tampa, and I was able to pack up everything from Syracuse. When I was staying at the hotel, all of my teammates were nice, everybody was driving me everywhere if I needed something. They did laundry for me. We're all really close, and I'm happy we have this kind of group of guys here."

Nikita Kucherov Article s

Nikita Kucherov scores to set a new Lightning single - season points record Diana C. Nearhos (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — Nikita Kucherov celebrated his goal with a massive scream. Behind him, Victor Hedman made sure to collect the puck.

That goal was the game - winner in the 3 - 2 win over Detroit, but that’s not why it made history. Wi th that goal, Kucherov notched his 109th point of the year. He passed Vincent Lecavalier for the highest - scoring single season of any Lightning player ever. That’s a puck you keep.

“Kuch is an unbelievable player,” Lecavalier said in a statement provided by the team. “He is so dominant and talented that it is no wonder he broke my Lightning record for most points in a season. I’d like to personally congratulate Nikita for the accomplishment and wish him and the team further success as they approach the pla yoffs.”

The goal was a rocket at point - blank range. Hedman dug the puck out from the boards behind the net and passed to Brayden Point, who sent it to Kucherov in the slot. Kucherov fired the puck off the post, then crossbar, before it landed in the net.

Kucherov added a second goal late in the game for good measure, another rocket, this time from the outside of the right circle.

The Lightning may say the team isn’t paying attention to regular - season records, and it certainly does have bigger goals in mi nd, but that doesn’t mean players and coaches aren’t aware of those records as they come. Players are especially aware of their teammates’ accomplishments.

Kucherov is having the kind of year few players have ever seen a teammate have.

“I’m at a loss for words trying to describe him as a player,” Hedman said to in - arena reporter Caley Chelios after the first period.

The Lightning announced Kucherov’s accomplishment with a video a few minutes after the goal. As fans caught on to the magnitude of this particular record, they rose in a standing ovation. Players, even those on the ice awaiting the face off, tapped their sticks in appreciation.

"Players, their dreams are to play in the NHL,” coach Jon Cooper said. “To come in and be able to set records, h e passed an icon in Vinny and there's no doubt it means something.”

Kucherov also passed the 108 points Connor McDavid led the league with last year. He is on pace for 130 points, which would tie four other NHL players, including Wayne Gretzky (1993 - 94) a nd Phil Esposito (1972 - 73).

Kucherov isn’t exactly coming for Gretzky’s NHL record of 215 points (1985 - 86), but he’s on his way to the best season this century. Joe Thornton has that mark currently with 125 points in 2005 - 06.

“Welcome to the 100 - point cl ub,” said Esposito, the Lightning founder who maxed out at 152 points in 1970 - 71. “He got 100 points last year, and he’s playing better this year, and this is a better team this year. I’m glad he got 110.”

He would love to see Kucherov get to 120 with 13 games left in the regular season.

Kucherov isn’t one to say much about his accomplishments. He said this is special to him and thanked his teammates for their help along the way. Mostly, Kucherov lets his play, and celebrations, do the talking.

His teamm ates, however, are quick with the praise.

“He’s a pretty incredible player,” Ryan McDonagh said. “At intermission we said ‘why stop now.’ Sure enough, he goes out there and scores another. That’s the kind of player he’s been all season, always wanting mor e.”

Kucherov will win Art Ross Trophy as NHL scoring leader David Satriano (NHL.com)

Nikita Kucherov will win the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the leading scorer in the NHL.

The Tampa Bay Lightning forward, who had a goal and an assist in a 6 - 3 season - ending win against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Saturday, finished with 128 points (41 goals, 87 assists) in 82 games. He is 12 points ahead of the runner - up, ce nter Connor McDavid (116 points; 41 goals, 75 assists), who plays his last regular - season game against the Calgary Flames on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; CBC, SN1, SNE, SNO, SNP, NHL.TV). McDavid w on the Art Ross Trophy in each of the past two seasons.

Kucherov's 128 points are the most in the NHL in one season since 1995 - 96, when Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins led the League with 161 (69 goals, 92 assists) and teammate Jaromir Jagr was second with 149 (62 goals, 87 assists).

Kucherov is the first Lightning player to win the scoring title since Martin St. Louis was first with 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in 48 games in 2012 - 13; St. Louis also won in 2003 - 04 with 94 points (38 goals, 56 assists). Kucherov set the Lightning season - single record for points, passing Vincent Lecavalier , who had 108 (52 goals, 56 ass ists) in 2006 - 07.

He also set the NHL single - season record for points by a Russia - born player, surpassing Alexander Mogilny , who had 127 (76 goals, 51 assists) for the Buffalo Sabres in 1992 - 93.

"It's definitely a special moment," Kucherov said. "Thanks to all the guys in the room for helping me out, I wouldn't be where I am now. It's a team effort."

Kucherov finished third in the NHL last season with 100 points (39 goals, 61 assists) b ehind McDavid (108) and forward of the Philadelphia Flyers (102). He has scored at least 30 goals in each of the past four seasons and has increased his point total in each of the past five.

The Lightning finished the regular season with 62 wins, tying the NHL single - season record set by the 1995 - 96 Detroit Red Wings. They won the Presidents' Trophy and will have home - ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Kuchero v always striving to improve for Lightning Dan Rosen (NHL.com)

Nikita Kucherov makes sure his 4 - month - old son, Max, isn't sleeping because he's about to go into the garage and it could ge t loud.

"I only shoot when he's awake," the Tampa Bay Lightning right wing said.

It could be after a win or a loss, a game when Kucherov has three points or zero points. The result, frankly, is inconsequential when compared to Kucherov's state of mind.

How does he feel about his game that night? Was something off? Is he not satisfied? If the answer is yes, Kucherov will go into his two - car garage, where he installed a synthetic rink, and start shooting.

"I wouldn't say I use it a lot, but I've done it because sometimes you're so [mad] at the game. If the puck doesn't go in, you just go in there and use the heavy pucks and just shoot it," Kucherov said. "There's a bunch of different weighted pucks in there and it just calms me down a little. I'll do it r ight after the game, right after I get home. Even if we win the game, I may not have played well. You know the next game might be fine, but if you're not going to work for yourself, you're not going to be prepared for the next game and then it's not going to be different for you in the next game."

This is quintessential Kucherov, the likely favorite to win the Hart Trophy this season as NHL most valuable player.

It doesn't matter to him that he leads the NHL with 78 points (22 goals, 56 assists), putting him on a 130 - point pace, which would break Alexander Mogilny's record for most points in an NHL season by a Russia - born player (127 in 1992 - 93).

It's not enough for him that Tampa Bay leads the NHL with 37 wins and 76 points through 49 games, or that it e nters its game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVAS) on pace to tie the NHL record for most victories in a season (62) set by the Detroit Red Wings in 1995 - 96.

In Kucherov's mind, if he's not always working on his craft, someone else is going to pass him, be better than him, and that's unacceptable.

"Kucherov is just a real hockey fanatic," Hockey Hall of Famer said. "He built an artificial rink at home, reads only about hockey, talks abou t hockey. Everyone's different, but it's great that a person is so invested in what he does."

To put it another way, "He wants to be the best," Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said. "He wa nts to have the most goals. He wants to have the most points. He wants to win."

Kucherov didn't have any of those last season. He finished tied for ninth in goals (39), third in points (100), and the Lightning lost in seven games to the Washington Capital s in the Eastern Conference Final. Kucherov, like Stamkos, didn't have a point in Games 6 and 7 as Tampa Bay was shut out in each.

Kucherov said he's over the loss to Washington, but called it a learning experience and that the feeling he had after Game 7 now serves as motivation for him to work harder to get back to that same level so this time he can deliver in that big moment.

That work takes place almost everywhere Kucherov goes no matter the time or day.

"People don't understand how hard he works aw ay from the rink," Stamkos said. "Like, it's all hockey. He'll text me the night before a game if there is a game going on, 'Did you see that,' or 'Did you see that move,' or 'Did you see how many minutes he played tonight.' … It's just crazy how much he l oves the game and always wants to get better. He's always in the dressing room stickhandling with a ball. He's always walking around with his sticks."

Kucherov traces his drive to his arrival in North America nearly seven years ago. In Russia, Kucherov sa id he didn't have the tools or the time to work at his craft the way he wanted to. He realized he could here after arriving for the 2012 - 13 season, when he played for Quebec and Rouyn - Noranda in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

"I remember seeing pe ople looking at what they were eating and how they were preparing for the game," said Kucherov, who was selected by the Lightning in the second round (No. 58) in the 2011 NHL Draft. "Back in Russia, we didn't have that. We were just messing around. It was who cares who you're playing against? No nap. Nothing. I came over here and guys were really strict about their diets, their work after and before on the ice. In Russia, we had an hour from this minute to this minute, that's it. You couldn't stay longer an d you couldn't go on earlier, nothing. When I came here, it was just a different life and I just fell in love with it."

He remembers being jealous of some of the players he met, like Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Montreal Canadiens left wing Jonathan Drouin , who were both playing for Halifax in the QMJHL in 2012 - 13.

"All these players, they're so good and I wanted to be like one of them, like [Patrick] Kane and those guys," Kucherov said. "I don't have good speed and I didn't have a good shot. I didn't have a bunch of things. But I wanted to work to be close r to them."

Now, he is right there with them, if not ahead.

It's not enough.

"Everybody is looking at the points and it's good, but the overall game, I think, can be a lot better," Kucherov said. "There's a lot of games when I don't get a lot of scoring chances, I make bad passes, I'm fumbling pucks. Do I have a puck on my stick for as long as I want it? There's always something to grow."

Enter the synthetic ice.

"I wanted to work on my shot," Kucherov said of why he initially had it installed. "It's n ot going to come to you like this (snaps fingers). You have to earn it. Sometimes it's paying off and I'm happy with that. Sometimes it's not, so I have to keep working at it. Nobody has to push me."

The only people that seem to be able to turn his focus away from the game are his wife, Anastasiya, and their son, Max.

"Since I've had a kid, it's different," Kucherov said. "You come home and you look at things differently."

Bure thinks that might be why Kucherov is on pace for his best season in the NHL. "I think fatherhood is directly related to how you play," Bure said. "Look at Alex Ovechkin , who, in anticipation of becoming a father, so passionately took off in the playoffs that he won hi s first Stanley Cup."

Kucherov isn't prepared to even think of this season as his best or as a success because so far, it has a hint of how it went last season, when he also led the NHL in scoring at the All - Star break with 64 points (27 goals, 37 assists ) and the Lightning were first in the League with 71 points.

He finished tied for 11th in scoring after the break with 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 31 games and the Lightning were tied for ninth in the standings with 42.

"For half a season it's go od, but nothing has been done yet," Kucherov said. "Last year, I was in the same position. It was a good year, too, in the first half, but I want to make sure this year I raise the bar and keep the bar high. That's what good players do every year, consiste ntly."

It's not surprising to Kucherov's teammates to hear him talk like that.

"He's hard on himself sometimes, and it makes him one of the best players in the world," Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy said. "Even if he scored three goals tonight, the next game he will try to score five, he'll want to score five. He just never stops."

Kucherov, though, has gotten bett er at diversifying himself even while thinking about the game. Stamkos cited a recent Geico commercial starring Kucherov as an example. "Kuch loves to laugh," Stamkos said. "I thought that commercial was bang on in terms of him coming out of his shell."

I t was also a reflection of Kucherov's typical demeanor around the rink because he doesn't say anything or change his facial expression in the ad. He just walks around a lamp store turning on lights as one of the other characters mentions how awesome he is at lighting the lamp.

"He doesn't say much on the bench or in the locker room," Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman said. "He's one of those quiet guys that goes about his business and when it's game time, it's on."

It's never off.

"If he has that button, I didn't see it yet," Vasilevskiy said. "He is never satisfied."

Steven Stamkos Article

Steven Stamkos’ goal record - setter: It wasn’t a one - timer, but it was fitting Diana C. Nearhos (Tampa Bay Times)

TAMPA — Steven Stamkos built a career on the strength of his shot.

He’s known for his blazing one - timer, particularly from the left faceoff circle. On the team’s Twitter account, it’s referred to as “Stamkos™” by Lightning socia l media manager Kinsey Janke.

That trademark shot have been a proper way to the franchise goal record. But Stamkos and Tampa Bay was happy to settle for fitting Monday when he scored career goal No. 384 the same way he scored No. 1.

Stamkos passed Vinny Lecavalier as Tampa Bay’s career goal leader with a redux of his first goal, scored 3,791 days prior, just nine games into his rookie season.

Back on Oct. 30, 2008, when the Lightning was as struggling franchise with its hopes pinned on an 18 - year - old No. 1 pick, Stamkos tipped Lecavalier’s shot past then - Buffalo goalie . Planted at the top of the crease, Stamkos twisted his upper body, to get his backhand on the puck coming in on his left. Those who watched in real time could bar ely see the tip.

On March 18, 2019, it was Ryan McDonagh’s shot Stamkos that tipped past Darcy Kuemper to make Tampa Bay hockey history.

“When you’ve got 384, there’s going to be a lot of different ways,” Stamkos said after Tampa Bay’s 4 - 1 victory over A rizona.

Unlike Stamkos’ first goal, there was no missing this tip.

The record - breaker, which came 111 seconds after the Lighting fell behind 1 - 0 an Arizona team that dealt the Lightning perhaps its worst loss of the season, stands as a testament to Stamk os’ growth as a player. Anticipating where the puck was going two passes ahead, Stamkos beat Coyote defender Mario Kempe to a spot in the crease as J.T. Miller’s pass found a wide - open McDonagh. With Stamkos holding his ground against Kempe, McDonagh flipp ed a wrist shot that Stamkos redirected.

He looked over his shoulder and watched the puck sail over Kuemper’s glove into the net, the Lightning’s first score on its way to a 4 - 1 victory.

“Maybe not his signature goal, so to speak, he’s known for his big shot,” McDonagh said. “But I know him. He’ll take it no matter what. And it was a big goal in the game to get us rolling.”

The goal horn sounded, tesla coil buzzed, lights flashed and “Hammer Time” blared from the rafters.

As McDonagh went to scoop up th e puck, Stamkos celebrated like it was 2008 – throwing up both arms and skating into a teammate’s arms (Lecavalier in 2008, Miller and Ondřej Palát on Monday). He led the line back to the bench for the fist pump line, as per usual after a goal, but then go t a couple of extra hugs before he got on the bench. Even coach Jon Cooper leaned down to share his congratulations.

But this one came at home in a victory that clinched home - ice advantage through the playoffs and the Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL team w ith the most points. That made it even more special. Stamkos, who specified he’s not usually emotional, said he felt the strength of support at Amalie Arena. He may have 384 goals, but only two have made him emotional: the final of his 60 - goal season in Wi nnipeg and the love from Bolts Nation on Monday.

The crowd cheered for a goal by the face of a franchise as usual. Then as a graphic flashed on the screen with Stamkos’ record, the crowd stood. Stamkos gave a small wave from the bench. The applause contin ued until the TV timeout 30 seconds later later.

The Lightning played a tribute video, including highlights of Stamkos’ many goals. Then the ovation grew even further. Stamkos, who joked he saw flashbacks of his hair and beard styles over the years, skate d a small loop off the bench, saluting the crowd.

In between goals No. 1 and 384, Stamkos has had a 50 - goal season and the second 60 - goal season of this century. He’s declined the lure of playing for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs to make a new home in Tampa Bay. He’s seen his and the Lightning’s promise and potential thrown into doubt when Stamkos broke his leg in 2013, had a blood clot near his collarbone during the 2016 postseason and tore his meniscus at the start of the next season. Stamkos has been to the Stanley Cup Finals and captained teams that fell agonizingly short.

Now, he’s the Lightning’s career goal leader and captain of that almost seems unstoppable.

“I’ve been here a long time. That’s what that means,” Stamkos said of the goal record. “Like I said, hopefully a lot more to come.”

Mikhail Sergachev Article

How Mikhail Sergachev’s game is ‘night and day’ different from last year Joe Smith (The Athletic)

BUFFALO, N.Y. — It didn’t take long for Nikita Kucherov to figure out defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was different.

During Sergachev’s first training camp with the Lightning last fall, Kucherov would notice how his fellow Russian would dare to dangle the puck at the blueline. It was bold for anyone, much less a teenage roo kie.

“Not many (defensemen) can do that,” Kucherov said.

Kucherov, one of the most brilliant and creative playmakers in the league, then paid Sergachev an ultimate compliment.

“When he’s got the puck, you always wait — something is going to happen,” Kuc herov said. “He’s that kind of guy.”

Sergachev certainly was that guy in the Lightning’s 5 - 3 victory over the Sabres Saturday night at KeyBank Arena. Case in point: Ondrej Palat’s tying goal in the second period, when Sergachev stole the show. Sergachev a ccepted a Victor Hedman left - to - right feed at the blueline. In one motion, Sergachev faked a one - timer before slipping around Vladimir Sobotka. He wasn’t done. Sergachev then darted deep into the right circle before sending a backhand pass to the slot and Palat.

“At first I thought I was going to shoot a one - timer,” Sergachev said. “As soon as (Sobotka) came so close to me, I pulled it off.”

The head fake? Sneaky. The dexterity in Sergachev’s footwork? Flawless.

The instincts?

“I mean, I wouldn’t have d one that when I was 20,” said Norris winner Victor Hedman. “And I still won’t do that. It’s not part of my game.”

But it’s part of Sergachev’s game — when he’s at his best. Sergachev considers himself an offensive - defenseman, with those special puck - movin g skills a reason he was drafted No. 9 by the Canadiens in 2016. So when Sergachev went the first 39 games without a goal this season, he was frustrated. But after scoring his slump - busting first goal a week ago in San Jose, Sergachev’s confidence has soar ed.

“I just see plays that I haven’t before,” he said.

While Sergachev’s point totals have dipped since last year’s rookie season — just 17 in 42 games — his play in all parts of the ice has taken a big step.

“It’s night and day from last year to this year,” coach Jon Cooper said. “It’s funny, he pointed a lot last year and w as scoring goals. But there was so much about the game he had to learn, whether it was at the defensive end, where you’re supposed to be, and he’s done a great job this year. Last year, you had to dress seven ‘D’ to manage his minutes, there’s no need to d o that anymore.

“In every game, he’s getting more comfortable. There’s a reason he was drafted as high as he was and a reason (former GM Steve Yzerman) made the deal to get him. He’s a big reason why we’re having some success and he helps drives it. Are t here going to be hiccups along the way? For sure there are. But he’s taking more command of the game, and it’s been fun to watch.”

Cooper was also quick to point out the “hiccups,” like Sergachev’s retaliatory double - minor for cross - checking with six minu tes left, giving the Sabres a power play in a tie game. The second - year pro will learn from that (he got fined $2,403 by NHL Department of Player Safety). And Sergachev is still working on his consistency in his own end. But he’s gaining more trust from co aches, averaging 17 minutes, 44 seconds per game, more than two minutes more than last year (15:22). Rookie Erik Cernak played a team - high 22:08 Saturday, averaging about 20 seconds more per game. Playing in more late in games, high - leverage situations, is the next step for Sergachev. He’ll get there.

But the offensive instincts and game - breaking ability? That’s something you can’t teach. And, by Hedman’s own admission, it’s unique for the team’s blueline.

“He can put himself in those situations because o f his skill set, his size, his puck protection,” captain Steven Stamkos said. “Anytime he can get the puck at the blueline, he has that shot fake that buys him some time, it’s a huge part of his game. It’s what we need from him, that offensive side.

“He’s shored up a lot defensively in the short time he’s been in the league already, and he’s going to get better. You can tell when he has the puck on his stick, and he has that confidence to carry and protect it, he can do a lot of damage.”

You saw that with Sergachev’s highlight - reel fake and assist on Mathieu Joseph’s goal Tuesday against Columbus. Sergachev has used the dangle and deke so often that Lightning fans have tried to make up names for the move. The “Sergy Slide?” “The Windsor Spitfire?”

For Ser gachev’s assist Saturday, he was on the ice with Hedman. You saw the two together in spurts Saturday, with the combo typically together when the team is down in a game, looking for offense. Sergachev is intrigued by the pair possibility, especially conside ring he’s so strong on the right side.

“It’s cool,” Sergachev said. “To play with a ‘D’ like ‘Heddy,’ he’s one of a kind. He’s a great player, he can always find you, always protect you. He plays great defensively, good offensively. A guy 6 - foot - 6 that ca n skate like that, it’s unbelievable. I feel good with him.”

The feeling is mutual.

“We like playing with each other,” Hedman said. “We can read off each other, both can play right side, both can play left side. Our constant movement creates confusion in their zone, we’re pretty good at that. Whenever we get an opportunity to play together, we want to take advantage of that. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

When Sergachev went through his 39 - game goal drought, he said coaches and teammates, like He dman, helped him through it.

“I mean, I was 20 games without a goal, so we were in the same boat,” Hedman said.

Sergachev smiled: “Well, 40 games and 20 games is a big difference.”

Hedman noted how Sergachev has learned from Kucherov, the two Russians working together during and after practice. They’ll talk through plays a lot, with Sergachev picking one of the game’s greatest minds.

“Obviously anybody wants to play like ‘Kuch,’ be like him,” Sergachev said. “I want to be skilled just like him . But I’ve got to put in a lot of work like he does. Hopefully, one day, I’ll get there. But we’ll see.”

Waking up The Lightning got off to another slow start, getting outshot 16 - 6 in the first period. It looked a lot like Tampa Bay’s flat first against t he Hurricanes Thursday.

“Sleepwalked,” Cooper said. “We didn’t execute. It was like the first day of training camp.”

So Cooper did what worked well Thursday. He left his team alone at intermission, allowing the veteran leaders in the room to deliver the message. It worked.

“It’s their team,” Cooper said. “They’re the guys that are in the trenches. And if we’re going to keep going here and our goal is to play deep into the spring, they’re going to have to fight their way out of some problems. They’ve got to take ownership of it, and they’ve done a great job at that.”

Dynamic Duo Who led the way? Kucherov and Stamkos. If it seemed like Kucherov was always on the ice, he was, logging a forward - high 21:08. He earned it, racking up another three points — givi ng him a league - leading 75 — and scoring the tying goal in the third. Kucherov and Stamkos combined to score the tying and winning goals.

“He does some magical things, that kid,” Cooper said of Kucherov. “You can see he had that vibe going. When he’s got that happening, you have to get him out there as much as you can.”

On Stamkos’ game - winner, the chemistry between him and Kucherov showed. They had the puck on a 2 - on - 2, and Stamkos kept yelling at Kucherov the whole way up the ice that it was a forward — Casey Mittlestadt — who was in front, not a defenseman. Stamkos knew a forward wouldn’t be as good as gapping up, so he had more time to follow in behind Kucherov to accept the pass and deliver a world - class toe drag.

What makes Stamkos and Kucherov so special is their ability to make reads. And this was one example.

“I was talking to ‘Kuch’ the whole time,” Stamkos said. “We knew with a 2 - on - 1 with a forward, he’s not comfortable playing defense. As soon as (Kucherov) dropped it, (Mittelstadt) didn’t g ap like a normal defenseman, so I had time to pull it in and shoot it. Anytime you chose between a 2 - on - 1 with a ‘D’ or forwards, you’re going to pick the forward. It’s just us forwards are not comfortable with that. We took advantage.”

Stamkos, and other players, have made this comment for most of the season. And why not? The Lightning are in an unbelievable 18 - 1 - 1 run, and extended their lead to 14 points over second - place Toronto in the Atlantic Division. But it’s how they’re doing it that makes this gr oup have a special feel.

“It’s just the feeling on the bench,” Stamkos said. “We’ve gone through this really good stretch, and it’s been different ways — down a goal, down three goals, up a bunch. It’s just there’s that comfort level on the bench, ‘Let’s stick with it.’ It may not always go our way, as much as we’d like it to, but we’re going to find a way.

“The way it’s been, it’s fun to be on the bench when you have that feeling.”

Said Cooper: “We’ve been able to find our way to be on the winnin g side quite a bit this year in situations where, in the past, we wouldn’t have. Is there a benefit that this group has been together for a little bit and we know what we’re capable of and what we can do? There’s no question. Do I think players are comfort able standing up to each other, holding themselves accountable? There’s no question.

“And you need that from your leadership group — the Stamkos’ and Callahans and McDonaghs, Girardis and Stralmans. You go down the list, they hold themselves accountable. It’s fun to watch, fun to coach.”

Lining up With Friday’s trade of Slater Koekkoek to the Blackhawks — which we broke down here — the Lightning fixed their roster crunch, getting down to 23. J.T. Miller and Ryan Callahan returned to the lineup Saturday af ter battling injuries. Mathieu Joseph and Danick Martel were scratched, as was Anton Stralman, who has joined the blueline rotation for rest.

It’ll be interesting to see how Cooper manages the 14 - deep forward group, none of which deserves to come out. He could handle it like the blueline, rotating guys in and out (like Adam Erne, or resting a veteran like Callahan). Either way, Martel is excited, as he was told recently to find an apartment in Tampa (which he has), a rite of passage for rookies when they f inally can exhale — they’re sticking around. Martel said he’s getting his car and belongings shipped down from Allentown, Pa. He can’t wait to move in. “I can finally cook meals,” Martel said. “Instead of always going out.”