Lightning Getting Help from Beyond Core
The Lightning's improved play down the stretch is not only because of their core players.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been one of the NHL's hottest teams down the stretch. It's what helped them blow by the rest of the Eastern Conference' wild card team and cement their playoff spot. Top players like Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, and Brandon Hagel have been big reasons behind it.
While the Lightning's stars have stepped up, the same can be said for their depth players.
Nick Paul has been on fire lately, posting four goals over his last three games. It has been a big year for the 29-year-old, as he has set new career highs with 23 goals, 20 assists, and 43 points.
Trade deadline acquisition Anthony Duclair has been a remarkable pickup for the club. The 5-foot-11 winger has six goals and 11 points in 13 games since joining the Bolts.
The Lightning's Masterton Trophy nominee, Mikey Eyssimont, has been making a big difference with his physicality all season. However, he is also starting to heat up offensively down the stretch, posting three points over his last two games.
Darren Raddysh has been such a wonderful story this season, as the 28-year-old defender has cemented himself as an NHL regular. He has an impressive 31 points in 77 games this season, with 10 of them coming over his last 13 contests.
Overall, seeing so many non-core Lightning players making big differences has been massive for Tampa Bay. Everyone seems to be getting hot right before the playoffs, which is quite encouraging for the Lightning.