Lightning Veteran Forward Off To Incredible Start

This Bolts veteran has got off to a hot start to begin the season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have gotten off to a fast start to their new season, winning seven of their first ten games. While the list of names that could be attributed to the hot start is pervasive, the one performance that comes to mind is that of Nick Paul.

Paul has notched three goals and nine points through the first few weeks. Along with his vital stats, Paul recently played the hero with a game-winning goal in overtime against the Nashville Predators. The veteran forward is coming off an impressive season in which he scored 24 goals and 46 points. The amazing caveat to his offensively impressive campaign is that he has mainly played on the third line. 

The 29-year-old forward has been an essential cog in the Tampa Bay machine since he was traded to the Lightning from the Ottawa Senators during the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline. During his four years in Tampa Bay, Paul has contributed 49 goals and 101 points in 192 games. Paul has shown his penchant for heroism, with eight of his goals being game-winners. 

With a large chunk of the season lying ahead of them, the Lightning will rely on Paul to continue scoring for them in big ways. As the season progresses, it will be no surprise to anyone if we see the Mississauga, Ontario native move up into the top six. From what we have seen thus far, this change may come sooner rather than later.