Each Thanksgiving, we attempt to say what we’re grateful for. It may very well be good family and friends or a giant break you caught in your profession. Typically, it’s sports-related. Your hockey group is doing effectively, and also you respect that.
Within the case of the Tampa Bay Lightning, in addition they have a factor or two to debate across the dinner desk. We are saying dinner desk although it’s in all probability 2:30 p.m. and everyone seems to be on the sofa watching the Detroit Lions or Dallas Cowboys on TV as a result of there are zero hockey video games on Thursday.
Whatever the setting, everybody, even the Lightning could have one thing to share. In any case, they’ve had 20 video games to consider it. On that be aware, right here’s a take a look at three issues the time is probably going grateful for therefore far in 2024-25.
Grateful for a Wholesome Andrei Vasilevskiy
Right now final season, the Lightning had been leaping for pleasure as a result of their beginning goalie was coming back from again surgical procedure. He got here again on Black Friday. Sadly, they didn’t get the Andrei Vasilevskiy they had been accustomed to. He completed the season with a .900 save share and a 2.90 goals-against common (GAA) – each the worst of his profession. He additionally had a -2.5 objectives saved above anticipated.
This season, he appears way more like himself. By way of 17 video games, he has a .915 save share (on par with the place it was two seasons in the past earlier than his damage), and a 2.24 GAA, one of the best since his 2.21 GAA in 2020-21. He additionally has a 6.8 objectives saved above anticipated. It’s a cumulative stat, so he might blow that quantity out of the water by the top of the marketing campaign.
Grateful for Jake Guentzel’s Manufacturing
First, Jake Guentzel has performed very effectively since becoming a member of the group. By way of 20 video games, he has 20 factors, together with 9 objectives, and the Lightning will gladly take it. Guentzel has helped the group play significantly better at even power and has saved manufacturing robust on the highest line.
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Second, Guentzel enjoying effectively ought to give administration peace of thoughts after shedding captain Steven Stamkos. With Stamkos departing for the Nashville Predators, they wanted Guentzel to work out. To date, he has. It additionally helps that Stamkos has struggled out of the gate together with his new group. It’s compelled Lightning followers to rethink how they really feel in regards to the transfer. They won’t out of the blue be over Stamkos leaving – nor ought to they be – however it is perhaps a a lot simpler tablet to swallow when the brand new participant is available in and helps the group win.
Grateful for the Resurging Lightning Energy Play
Lower than per week in the past, I made the case that the Lightning wanted to handle their weak energy play to start out the season. Any person heard me as a result of they’ve turned it round. Following the comeback win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 19, Tampa Bay’s energy play success fee was 18.5%. That quantity has jumped to 23% – in eight days. The Lightning are grateful they made that story age like milk so shortly. I’ll personal it.
They’ve scored on six of their final 16 power-play alternatives (37.5%) over the past six video games. That may enhance the season numbers in a short time. This has been the Lightning’s bread and butter for practically a decade. In the event that they wish to head again to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and show their window hasn’t closed, they’re going to wish to capitalize on the facility play. Now, they’re.
With three-quarters of the season left to go, there will likely be new issues for the Lightning to be pleased about. However for now, they need to have peace of thoughts once they sit down for Thanksgiving dinner.
