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Quick Strikes: Competition for jobs on the Tampa Bay Lightning intensifies

No one is safe?

The Bolts

With Tampa Bay Lightning training camp officially hitting the ice, early line combinations have started to be debated. @GeoFitz4 looks at who to watch, and what to watch for in terms of deployment in camp. “2016 first rounder Brett Howden is another prospect to keep your eye on. Depending on how the top six positions shake out among forwards, the Lightning could be looking for someone to fill the third line center role.” [Raw Charge]

Day 2 of Lightning training camp gave Bolts fans a scare, with the news of Anton Stralman’s minor injury. “Stralman was not on the ice, therefore he could be dead. He may appear three days later. Ergo, Stralman is Jesus.” [Raw Charge]

The Tampa Bay Lightning have a lot of competition for spots this year in camp. Bryan Burns writes about how Coach Cooper likes that his players don’t feel comfortable with their stock with the team during this camp. "It wasn't easy today. One of the things we talked about in camp, especially when we really didn't have a training camp together last year was, from day one, it's game on.” [NHL dot com]

The top line of Vladislav Namestnikov, Steven Stamkos, and Nikita Kucherov have been reunited for the first day of training camp. Joe Smith talks about the success of the line and what makes them special. “Namestnikov doesn't look to score as much as he probably could. But that doesn't mean he isn't effective in other ways. A good piece on RawCharge.com used analytics to show how Namestnikov is really good in transition (zone exits and entries) and as a build up passer.” [Tampa Bay Times]

Three weeks!

#BringYourDogToWorkDay

The Prospects

Rookie reporter Wyatt Ross spoke with Brayden Point about Disney princess, aliens, and superpowers! “The fastest staker on the team is... myself. Or Tyler Johnson.”

From intern to full-time broadcaster, Lukas Favale is doing what he loves. “Having spent a couple years around Dan, it's pretty similar to what Dan has done. Always try and describe the game in as much detail as possible. Consider the listener.” [Syracuse]

The Game

Ace Bailey’s Stanley Cup rings visited the 9/11 Memorial where Ace lost his life in the September 11th terrorost attack. If you want to read the story of what happened and Bailey’s impact on hockey, check out Puck Daddy’s post from 2012.

Did the Colorado Avalanche strip Matt Duchene of his alternate captaincy? “One thing we do know for sure, this isn’t the byproduct of the team leaving letters off the jerseys for the promo shoot because Nathan MacKinnon had the ‘A’ on his chest.” [Mile High Hockey]

The Colorado Avalanche have also signed Nikita Zadorov to a two-year bridge deal. Zadorov will be making $2.15 million until 2019, where he will still be a RFA. “The signing brings much-needed size and experience to the Avs' blue line, and it avoids the concerns of a holdout stretching too far into training camp.” [Mile High Hockey]

The Arizona Coyotes have a plethora of young talent, and this summer, supplemented them with veteran skill. This begs the question: how far can the Coyotes leap forward this season? “Just on the talent influx alone, as well as the maturation of the team’s stunning six (SIX!) forwards on ELCs, you’d expect [more wins and points].” [Puck Daddy]

Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Travis Green has lived what Jake Virtanen is going through. “Thinking you’re ready for the league (and) you’re not. Looking back, you weren’t even close. I know as a young guy, I thought I was ready for the league right away. And looking back, if I would have played earlier, I’d have never played in the NHL.” [Sportsnet]

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