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Quick Strikes: From prospects to the NHL, Bolts thrive at every level in Canada

Posted on by saima1226

The Bolts

For the first time in nearly three weeks, the Lightning won a game in regulation – and they did it in dominant fashion. [Raw Charge]

Victor Hedman hit two major milestones in last night’s game: 500 career games and 250 career points. [Raw Charge]

Last night’s game was also special for rookie Brayden Point. It was the first time he played in his hometown since joining the NHL.

This time last year the Lightning were in a similar position, but this slump seems different. “Simply looking at the record and noting its similarity to last season does not tell us the whole story. The 16-17 Lightning are not playing like the 15-16 Lightning.” [Raw Charge]

Nikita Kucherov missed last night’s game and is listed day-to-day with a lower body injury. “Exactly how important is Nikita Kucherov to the Tampa Bay Lightning offense? If we take a look at his productivity, he is the team’s most valuable player – and it’s not even close.” [Raw Charge]

As if the Lightning’s injury concerns weren’t bad enough already, Ondrej Palat left last night’s game early with an apparent injury.

World Juniors

Hockey Canada’s World Junior Championship selection camp started on Saturday. The 22-man final roster was announced late last night and features five Lightning prospects (Anthony Cirelli, Mathieu Joseph, Taylor Raddysh, Mitchell Stephens, and Connor Ingram). Almost a quarter of the national team is in the Bolts pipeline. Last night, all five Lightning prospects took part in an exhibition game against the Czech Republic (which also features Lightning prospect Libor Hajek).

Game Recap (Exhibition Game 3): Canada 8 vs Czech Republic 0

Normally this is the part where I tell you my thoughts on the game, but I think I’ll defer to Bob McKenzie, hockey expert and purveyor of all things related to promising prospects. Enjoy this series of tweets that ends with the eventual realization that he’s essentially watching a Tampa Bay Lightning rookie tournament.

So just to recap, seven of the eight goals involved one or more Lightning prospects and Ingram stopped every shot he faced. I’d say that’s a pretty good night for the kids.

Here are the numbers from last night’s game:

  • F Anthony Cirelli: 1G, 0A
  • F Mathieu Joseph: 0G, 2A
  • F Taylor Raddysh: 2G, 1A
  • F Mitchell Stephens: 2G, 1A
  • G Connor Ingram: 1.000 SV% on 6 shots/

The League

The Detroit Red Wings have not missed the playoffs in 25 years, but they find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Perhaps it’s time to break the cycle, pick up some early draft picks, and rebuild the team. “Even if the team managed to get the last wild card spot. What would realistically happen, another first round loss, which put us right back in the same place next season. It’s time to stop delaying the inevitable.” [Winging It In Motown]

The Ottawa Senators presented a touching video tribute and ceremony to Chris Neil after the feisty tough guy hit 1,000 games played in the NHL.

After picking up their tenth win last night, the Philadelphia Flyers are on their longest winning streak since 1985. [Puck Daddy]

There was some more drama around the Florida Panthers. After Darren Dreger tweeted that Dale Tallon had resumed control of hockey operations in Sunrise, the Panthers responded that Tallon had always been in charge. Drama ensued and Elliott Friedman sorted through it, looking for the facts. [Sportsnet]

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Talking Points