According to the stat wizards over at the Lightning, the team is now 20-9-2 in their 31 opening nights. That .667 winning percentage is tops among NHL franchises that have had at least 10 season openers. The win does snap a two-year losing streak as they dropped games to the New York Rangers (3-1) to start the 2022-23 season and the Pittsburgh Penguins (6-2) in 2021-22.
Over at the NHL, their media relations department posted the fact that Victor Hedman picked up his 13th point in season-opening games with his assist on Nikita Kucherov’s first period goal. The only Lightning players to score more points to kick off a season are Vincent Lecavalier (14 points) and Steven Stamkos, who ran his total to 18 points with an assist on Nick Paul’s first goal.
Some other stats of note:
Brandon Hagel had the 7th penalty shot on opening night in NHL history and was the first to convert one for the Lightning since Blake Coleman beat Jake Oettinger in April of 2021.
Nick Paul picked up his first three-point game since turning the trick against the Blackhawks in April of 2022.
Lightning / NHL News
Lightning win season opener [Raw Charge]
Offense and adequate goaltending worked last night. Is it a formula that can sustain them? We’ll find out.
Tyler Motte leaves game early [Eddie Encina Twitter]
Motte blocked a shot with his hand late in the second period and didn’t play in the third. He had started on the second line and played 7:55 with two hits before leaving the game.
Alex Barre-Boulet on waivers [PuckPedia]
It was a move rumored to be in the works as Julien BriseBois is likely to swap an extra forward for an extra defender with Zach Bogosian being recalled. Of course, depending on the seriousness of Motte’s injury, that could change his plans.
Free food from the Lightning [98.7 The Shark]
A quick rundown of the food promotions the Lightning have partnered up with for this season. Pretty sure they hit them all last night.
A lapsed guide to the Tampa Bay Lightning and the 2023-24 season [Bolts by the Bay]
Haven’t been paying attention to hockey lately? Got sucked into the Rays brief playoff run and just now realized it’s hockey season? Well, here is a guide to get you back on track.
John Paul Comas honored as Community Hero [Tampa Bay Lightning]
The Lightning Community Hero program is back and this season’s first $50,000 check goes to John Paul Comas who will donate it to Metropolitan Ministries. They will use it to help those experiencing homelessness in the Tampa area.
How much will Connor Bedard produce this season? [Second City Hockey]
The Next Chosen One picked up an assist in his season debut, but what can we expect out of the young hockey-playing child?
Barry Melrose retires from ESPN, contending with Parkinson’s Disease [NHL.com]
Former Lightning head coach, longtime hockey media personality, and a man with a wonderful head of hair, Barry Melrose announced that he would be stepping away from his role with ESPN to focus on his health. The 67-year-old also confirmed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a brain disorder that Steve Ludzik, another former Lightning coach, is also battling.
32 Thoughts [Sportsnet]
Interesting to note that Friedman mentions the league’s recent ban on players using Pride Tape in practices/warm-ups may not be enforceable. Players may just flat out ignore the league’s asinine directive.
32 Bold Predictions [Daily Faceoff]
Among some rather bold predictions (Coyotes to Houston) Frank Seravalli predicts the Lightning will sign Steven Stamkos to a three-year extension during the season. My money is on a four-year deal.
Avs acquire Caleb Jones from Hurricanes [Puck Yeti]
Colorado sent Callahan Burke to the ‘Canes for Caleb Jones a young defenseman who was put on, and cleared waivers last week. While not in the running for the Norris, Jones should help out the bottom end of their defense.
