The Tampa Bay Lightning have kicked off their preseason campaign with some promising performances. Though the outcomes of these early games are inconsequential, they offer insights into player dynamics and potential roster configurations. Here are three key takeaways from the Lightning’s initial preseason outings.
The emerging partnership between Mitchell Chaffee and Conor Geekie has garnered attention. While these players aren’t slated to be regular linemates during the upcoming season, their synergy was evident in the preseason opener against the Carolina Hurricanes. Both players contributed assists to Emil Lilleberg’s goal, and Geekie later assisted on Chaffee’s power-play score. Although their joint appearance was limited to one game, the potential for providing the team with depth options across all four lines is apparent.
Another focal point is Jonas Johansson’s performance in the goaltending department, especially as the team considers its options while Andrei Vasilevskiy takes some time off. Johansson made a strong impression by saving 29 of 30 shots in his recent appearance. His experience alongside Matt Tomkins last season demonstrated reliability, suggesting he could once again step up if required.
Finally, the Lightning have made strategic roster decisions, including cutting recently acquired prospect Sam O’Reilly, redirecting him to the London Knights. This move indicates a focus on assessing other prospects with more experience, such as Jack Finley, Dylan Duke, and Ethan Gauthier, who remained with the team after the first wave of cuts. Jakob Pelletier, who boasts more NHL experience, is also being considered as a potential addition to bolster the offense with Nick Paul’s absence.
These preseason developments hint at a dynamic season ahead for the Lightning, with a focus on building chemistry and evaluating depth options. As the team continues to prepare for the regular season, the performances of both seasoned players and emerging prospects will be crucial in shaping their journey.