Quick Strikes: Lightning players continue to shine at the Worlds

The Bolts

Six Lightning players played on Saturday at the World Championship. Early in the morning, team Russia played against Latvia. The Latvians scored in the first period and Russia were trailing for the first time in five games at the tournament. It was also the first goal that Andrei Vasilevskiy has allowed over the last three games. In the second period, Russia scored three times, including a breakaway goal from Nikita Kucherov.

Kucherov also assisted on Nikita Gusev’s goal earlier in the second period. After five games, he has 12 (4+8) points.

Vasilevskiy has won all four of his starts and has allowed just three total goals on 92 shots for the tournament. Vasilevskiy’s .967 save percentage and 0.75 goals-against average are both second best among all tourney goalies behind Switzerland’s Reto Berra (2 shutouts in 2 games). [Tampa Bay Lightning]

Team Canada demolished Team Germany 8-1. After losing to Finland on opening day, the Canadians have won four games in a row and already secured a spot in the quarterfinals. Anthony Cirelli scored his third goal at the Worlds and Mathieu Joseph assisted on that goal.

The Slovaks defeated Team Great Britain and remained in the playoff race for one more day. Eric Cernak played 25:44 minutes, which is more than any other player in this game, but didn’t record any points.

Geo wrote an article about Cernak’s first year at the NHL and even compared him with Jake Dotchin [Raw Charge]

But Cernak feels different. It feels much more like Cernak is a part of the pair with McDonagh, rather than just a passenger as I felt Dotchin was. I have a lot more confidence going into next season that Cernak will be able to repeat his rookie performance and continue to provide valuable minutes in the top four along side Ryan McDonagh.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Onbikes organization have teamed up for a charity event.

The Game

At the 2019 Memorial Cup, the Guelph Storm defeated the QMJHL champion the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. St. Louis Blues prospect Alexey Toropchenko scored his first career hat-trick.

The Toronto Maple Leafs affiliate Newfoundland Growlers have overcome the Florida Everblades and are heading to the Kelly Cup Finals.

The NHL revealed the dates of some offseason events

Patrick Roy joined the list of potential the Ottawa Senators head coaches

William Nylander posted 3 (1+2) points against Switzerland at the World Championships and now leads the scoring race. With 13 points, he’s one point ahead of Nikita Kucherov.

Anthony Mantha scored a wonderful goal against Germany