It was a busy day for the Tampa Bay Lightning at training camp. In the morning, four players were sent back to their junior teams, Andrei Vasilevskiy got some honors, and then they beat a Nashville Predators squad with mostly NHLers.
We kick off with the cuts. Ethans Gauthier and Hay were sent back to their junior teams, along with defenders Dyllan Gill and Scott Walton. Gauthier and Gill were sent back to the QMJHL. Hay is going to the OHL, and Walton is going back to his Canadian University team.
Andrei Vasilevskiy was given the highest goalie rating in NHL 24 at 93 overall. We endorse this result!
The Lightning then sent a roster of mostly AHL/junior players to Nashville against what turned out to be a mostly NHL roster — and it turns out they won! Here’s a recap of the game.
First, the lines. It was mostly the team’s expected fourth line, and three mostly-AHL lines up front, Cernak, de Haan, Perbix, and then three AHLers on defense. AHL-contracted goalie Matt Tomkins got the whole game. Two thirds of the Predators roster was their good NHLers, with Juuse Saros in net.
In the game itself, we start off with a fight.
Then some power play chances.
Maxime Groshev scored on a breakaway, showing off his promise. Good separating speed, timing, and skill under pressure.
Tomkins was the better goalie in net between the two, which must’ve been a big moment for him and the team. He was excellent. The Crunch are in good hands.
Tyler Motte won the game in overtime on the power play with a tip in front from Eyssimont’s shot.
Bolts win!
Lightning Links
Old friend Joe Smith has some stories from fellow old friends, Ryan McDonagh and Pat Maroon. Definitely worth your time. Love all these guys.
Mikael Backlund is reportedly staying in Calgary.
Future…. Anything to make a buck.
