Lightning Round: Nick Perbix Heading to Finland

The 2023 World Championships in Finland are set to get underway next week and the countries participating should be releasing their initial rosters pretty soon. Team USA, which will be competing in Group A and kicking off the tournament against the host nation on May 12th, announced their roster on Thursday. A familiar name for Tampa Bay Lightning fans was on that list of players – Nick Perbix.

The rookie defenseman will be lining up for Team USA for the second time in two years as he was part of the American delegation that competed in the Olympics last year. In four games in the Beijing last year the 24-year-old picked up one assist.

Perbix finished off a nice first season in the NHL with 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 69 games after beginning the year in Syracuse. He was called up early and never game the Bolts a reason to send him back to the AHL. By the time the playoffs rolled around (where he had 3 assists in 6 games) he was partnered up with Victor Hedman. Between the Lightning, the Crunch, Team USA, and St. Cloud State University, Perbix has played in 130 games over the last two years. Pretty busy schedule for the youngster.

Held every year concurrent with the NHL playoffs, the World Championships is often comprised of youngsters (see Team USA’s roster) and NHL veterans whose teams either didn’t make the postseason or were ousted early. We’ll keep an eye on the rosters as they’re released over the next few days to see if any other Lightning players or prospects end up competing for their home countries.

Lightning News:

Some sad news from the organization yesterday as former Bolt Petr Klima passed away at the age of 58. Klima played in 189 games for the Lightning from 1993-1996 scoring 63 goals and adding 70 assists. He also added two goals in the Lightning’s first playoff series in 1996. Safe Home, Mr. Klima.

Lightning are still contenders, just not as scary as the rest of the NHL [Tampa Bay Times]

Maybe it’s the lack of sleep, but the concept of teams being “scared” of another team at the NHL level makes me giggle. Like they’re sitting in the locker room shaking nervously at having to face another team.

Early exit gives team time to rest, retool [Tampa Bay Times]

As Monty Python once sang, always look on the bright side of life.

NHL / Hockey News

What we learned after Round One [ESPN+]

Not sure we’re ready for a world where a Tkachuk brother is considered the best player in the playoffs.

Do you know someone between the ages of 13-17 that is interested in hockey and willing to help the NHL “increase fandom amongst people 17 & under”? Have them apply to be part of the Power Players program.

I know he had an off year by his hall of fame standards, but it’s weird not seeing Victor Hedman’s name amongst the finalists for the Norris Trophy.

Florida Panthers 3-2 over Toronto Maple Leafs (Panthers lead 2-0)

Things started well for the Leafs as they built a 2-0 lead. Then they gave up three goals in an 11-minutes stretch in the second period. Quite the difference from a week ago, ain’t that right Mr. Dubas?

Dallas Stars 4-2 over Seattle Kraken (Series tied at one)

Joe Pavelski only scored one goal this time, but it was the game-winner. Wyatt Johnston, Evgenii Dadonov, and Tyler Seguin added the other ones. Jake Oettinger had 25 saves.