We’re excited to kick off a new feature every month throughout the season, where the Raw Charge staff selects a player we feel deserves extra love, a high-five, whatever you want to call it, for the effort they put in the previous month.
It’s not necessarily that he made the team out of training camp, it’s how seamlessly Brayden Point has fit in since making the big club that got our staff’s attention and vote for the inaugural Thunder of the Month award.
The Lightning said Point didn’t need to be rushed to make the team, but the 20-year-old went into camp and preseason as if he had the mentality of “I dare you to cut me from this team.” The Lightning couldn’t — and they didn’t.
Point made the opening night roster, playing the season opener on a line with Vlad Namestnikov and Valtteri Filppula, and has played all 10 games with consistent minutes and even time on the power play. His 17:27 minutes of ice time in the 6-1 win over the Islanders on Tuesday night was his season high.
Point has four points — all assists — and while some may be on the edge of their seats waiting for his first goal, to that we say: relax. It’ll come.
Re-watching last night’s #TBLightning game and you can just see that Brayden Point’s first career goal is going to come soon, smart player
— Erik Erlendsson (@Erik_Erlendsson) October 26, 2016
Point’s been poised under pressure and plays with confidence, both important qualities as he continues to grow and refine his game. Look at the pass he makes with two defenders on him, a beautiful play right to Tyler Johnson.
The biggest takeaway on what the coaching staff thinks of Point is that when Ryan Callahan returned, Point remained in the lineup. When players have had to be scratched (#LightningProblems), it hasn’t been the new kid on the block who’s had to sit out — it’s been the vets.
Shows you what #tblightning thinks of Brayden Point, scratching regular in J.T. Brown to keep rookie in lineup. If he stays, he’s gotta play
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) October 30, 2016
Fans around the league have noticed the guy on a team with a lot of firepower already on it.
Brayden Point seems to have a step on a lot of guys out there. Nice to see that translate over to the NHL.
— Marc Smith (@MarcSmith18) October 23, 2016
Brayden Point is really fast. #analysis
— Corey Sznajder (@ShutdownLine) October 21, 2016
Yeah, he’s young, we get it.
Stamkos “Hey Brayden, the guys and I are going to a big party tonight. Wanna come?”
Point “Is that before or after Trick or Treating?”
— Anthony (@StrikeTwiceWoTB) October 31, 2016
Before Las Vegas comes into the league, The NHL has cautioned TBL’s Brayden Point to grow a beard
Point shaving is illegal, you know.
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) October 28, 2016
And to think that the Bolts traded up to get Point. What if they hadn’t? We’re all happy we’ll never have to find out.
Finally, Point loves retweeting about animals. I mean, that’s adorable.
Keep it up Brayden, we’re so happy you’re here!
