John Gove: Game 9 Recap: Bolts Pummel Penguins

Have to say this again. If you guys stay healthy you'll go pretty close to a Cup. Seems like your stars are playing well, but some unknowns putting their hands up as well. How was Brayden Point looking before this season?

The top line is on fire. The PP is on fire. The second line is tenacious.
Sergachev... so far. And Vasy has been playing well.
Great opening to the season don't let up and keep racking up the points.
And J.Boyd....

Have to say this again. If you guys stay healthy you'll go pretty close to a Cup. Seems like your stars are playing well, but some unknowns putting their hands up as well. How was Brayden Point looking before this season? - Aussiepenguin

Brayden Point has been looking well since he came back from his broken arm last year. He ended up with I think 18 goals and 22 assists in about 65 games. He was the Lightnings number 1 C when they went on the 19-6-2 run to end the season after the trade deadline with both Johnson and Stamkos injured. He has surpassed Johnson as the 2C this year and is our best 2-way C already.

I would not say he is an unknown quantity after the end of last season. The second line with Palat-Point-Gourde is a big reason why the Lightning have gotten out to the fast start. They are tenacious with the forecheck and puck battles and draw the other teams top line most of the time. Gourde finally got the goal he deserved, he has been playing lights out.

I wonder if playing 11-7 is conducive for the entire season as it really seems to be working, it allows the following lines:

Namestnikov-Stamkos-Kucherov
Palat-Point-Gourde
Killorn-Johnson-(Stamkos/Kucherov/Point)
Kunitz-(Dumont/Paquette)-Callahan
Brown

Hedman-Dotchin
Sergachev-Stralman
Coburn-Girardi
Koekkoek-Sustr

Getting your best players extra shifts on the third line with high caliber players makes it even harder to play against the Lightning, I just worry about fatigue for the guys taking extra shifts. On defense the 7D lineup works great, allows for lower minutes among the skaters as well as shelter and grow the young guys.

Now just trade Sustr, if they do go for a 3L RW I wonder what James Neal would cost from Vegas?

Brayden Point has been looking well since he came back from his broken arm last year. He ended up with I think 18 goals and 22 assists in about 65 games. He was the Lightnings number 1 C when they went on the 19-6-2 run to end the season after the trade deadline with both Johnson and Stamkos injured. He has surpassed Johnson as the 2C this year and is our best 2-way C already.

I would not say he is an unknown quantity after the end of last season. The second line with Palat-Point-Gourde is a big reason why the Lightning have gotten out to the fast start. They are tenacious with the forecheck and puck battles and draw the other teams top line most of the time. Gourde finally got the goal he deserved, he has been playing lights out.
- stammerman

I guess Point never got the limelight with so many others there. Where the (frank) does it end...... Like what Point is doing.

I don't think pummel is a strong enough. :

Seems like a lot of people believe the Lightning need to keep Serg and not send him down before tomorrow's game.

Does anyone think they SHOULD send him down? And if so, Why?

Seems like a lot of people believe the Lightning need to keep Serg and not send him down before tomorrow's game.

Does anyone think they SHOULD send him down? And if so, Why?
- LightningMcKing

I dont know if there is any argument that could be made to send him down... He has 8 points in 9 games played and while there has been a few instances where he looked a little shaky in the defensive zone i dont think this kid has any business down in juniors. Also the shaky defensive zone play is really just being nit picky and each game he has looked better and better as he adjusts to the NHL.

I dont know if there is any argument that could be made to send him down... He has 8 points in 9 games played and while there has been a few instances where he looked a little shaky in the defensive zone i dont think this kid has any business down in juniors. Also the shaky defensive zone play is really just being nit picky and each game he has looked better and better as he adjusts to the NHL.
- headyhedman77

I completely agree! The first few games of the season he was a little shaky. But he has really improved in a short amount of time. His confidence is DEFINITELY high! His goal against Pitt, he called for the puck from Stamkos!! Besides St. Louis, Idk if I have ever seen a player call for a pass from Stamkos while in the offensive zone lol Usually everyone thinks their job is done when they get the puck to Stamkos.

He has played sheltered minutes but definitely impressed. I think he'll stay up and his role/playing time will gradually increase!