Tampa Bay Lightning: Can They Keep Up the Hot Start?

The Tampa Bay Lightning have started out the 2017-2018 season the right way. Will they be able to keep it up?

Last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning had a fantastic start, similar to the one they’re having now. They were a team fresh off a run to the Cup Final in 2015 and an Eastern Conference Final in 2016. 2017 could have been a big season for them.

However, even the best teams in the league can’t prevent one thing from happening- injuries. Sometime in November of 2016, their captain and one of the best players in the NHL, Steven Stamkos, sustained a season-ending knee injury.

From that point on, it was all downhill for the Lightning. They made a final push towards the end of March/beginning of April to make the playoffs but fell short.

With Stamkos back, however, this team has a new look to them. They have life and energy, and they know how good they can be at full health. Confidence is key, and that’s something the Lightning can definitely make claim to having.

And with good reason. While Stamkos is definitely a huge part of what makes the Lightning great, he’s not their only good player. This is a team bursting with young talent and solid veteran leadership.

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Some of their young talent includes players such as 24-year-old Vladislav Namestnikov, who already has seven points through seven games played. Another is fellow 24-year-old Nikita Kucherov, who can’t seem to stop scoring. He already has eight goals and four assists through seven games.

With Stamkos centering those two players, that line is nearly unstoppable. But it doesn’t stop there with players such as Ondrej Palat, Alex Killorn, Tyler Johnson, and Ryan Callahan scattered throughout the other three lines.

The Lightning are banking on their ability to roll four lines, which they are entirely capable of doing. The key for them will be consistency.

Not to mention, they have good defensive ability, too. Players such as Victor Herman and Anton Stralman are both capable of producing offensively as well as playing solid defense.

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Overall, they should be able to remain hot for a while and keep their season consistent. Tampa Bay is a team that knows they can do great things. Exactly how far they will go is up to their drive and determination, but their skill is definitely there.