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Lightning season in review player-by-player

The Tampa Bay Times takes a look at each player on the Lightning’s roster to assess the team’s season.
Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) celebrates with his team after he stops the final shooter, Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23), as the Bolts win in a shootout with a final score of 4-3.
Published May 15
Updated May 24

Lightning beat writer Diana C. Nearhos and staff writer Mari Faiello will break down Tampa Bay’s season, the historic success followed historic failure, by looking at each player individually one day at a time. Find the whole series below and check back for new additions.

Victor Hedman: Playoffs demonstrates his importance to the Lightning

Tyler Johnson: Still tailor-made for the Lightning

Yanni Gourde: Speed but the Lightning in the fast lane

Brayden Point: He topped his breakout season with even better results

Anton Strålman: Disappointing season puts his future in question

DIRK SHADD | Times Tampa Bay Lightning center Cedric Paquette (13) celebrates his first period goal after beating Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) 19 seconds after the start in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Saturday, May 19, 2018 in Tampa.

Cedric Paquette: Disruptive play connects for the Lightning

Mikhail Sergachev: Versatility filled various voids

Nikita Kucherov: He achieved superstar status but there's still something missing

Alex Killorn: Is he good enough to stay on the roster?

Dan Girardi: Is he getting better or older

Ryan McDonagh: Everything the Lightning could want ... until he wasn’t

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18), left, celebrates his second period goal with teammate Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) against the Colorado Avalanche Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018 in Tampa.

Ondrej Palat: When he's healthy, fuels Lightning’s success

Anthony Cirelli: Consistent play belies his young age

Erik Cernák: Rookie emerged seemingly from nowhere on the Lightning’s blue line

Andrei Vasilevskiy: One of the league's best goalies made dazzling saves but also allowed goals

Lightning center J.T. Miller (10) scores to tie the game at 3 to 3 during the third period.

J.T. Miller: Last year's addition has proven to be an added treat

Matheiu Joseph: Rookie proves youth will be served

Ryan Callahan: This season likely marks the end of his tenure

Louis Domingue: Redemption for the backup goaltender

Braydon Coburn: Is the defenseman distinct enough to hold a roster spot?

Adam Erne: Forward earns a role with physicality

ALSO IN THIS SECTION

  1. Jonathan Drouin leads Montreal heading into game against Lightning
    3 hours ago• Lightning
    Montreal Canadiens left wing Jonathan Drouin (92) takes a shot during the first period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., on Oct. 3, 2019. GERRY BROOME | AP
    Also, Tampa Bay’s practice picks up in intensity after a day off ... and a lackluster showing on Saturday.
  2. Lightning will rock black jerseys for home weekend games
    Yesterday• Lightning
    The Lightning's alternate "disrupt the night" jerseys will be back for weekend games at Amalie Arena this season. SHADD, DIRK | Tampa Bay Times
    “Disrupt the night” jerseys return for weekend games, starting on Saturday.
  3. Inconsistencies plague Lightning early in season
    Yesterday• Lightning
    Lightning forward Yanni Gourde and the rest of the team have to play with more consistency. The fifth of six consecutive road games takes place Tuesday in Montreal. FRED CHARTRAND | AP
    A Stanley Cup favorite beat the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, but a lackluster group fell to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
  4. Lightning aren’t backing up Curtis McElhinney’s play in net
    Yesterday• Lightning
    Ottawa Senators defenceman Mark Borowiecki (74) collides with Tampa Bay Lightning centre Alex Killorn (17) and centre Anthony Cirelli during second period of NHL action in Ottawa, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. FRED CHARTRAND | AP
    Diana C. Nearhos’ takeaways: Brayden Point shouldn’t be dropping the gloves. Lightning aren’t rolling four lines. Senators’ arena leaves a lot to be desired.
  5. Vladislav Namestnikov lands Ottawa Senators’ final blows against Lightning
    Yesterday• Lightning
    Ottawa Senators center Vladislav Namestnikov (90) attempts to check Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) during first period of NHL action in Ottawa on Saturday. FRED CHARTRAND | AP
    Tampa Bay drafted Namestnikov in the first round eight years ago. He had two goals and an assist for the Senators.
  6. Ottawa Senators’ odd-man rushes sink Lightning
    Oct. 13• Lightning
    Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson (41) scoops the puck up in front of Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) as Senators defenseman Nikita Zaitsev (22) defends during the first period Saturday. FRED CHARTRAND | AP
    Giving up opportunities off the rush has been a recurring issue for Tampa Bay early this season.
  7. Team bonding is the upside to an early Lightning road trip
    Oct. 12• Lightning
    Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Mathieu Joseph (7) celebrates a goal during the third period against the Florida Panthers last weekend in Sunrise. BRYNN ANDERSON | AP
    Slap Shots: Tampa Bay would like to be at home, but as far as road trips go, this one isn’t too bad.
  8. Victor Hedman is the first Lightning defenseman to play 700 games
    Oct. 11• Lightning
    Victor Hedman played his 700th game in Toronto on Thursday. COLE BURSTON | AP
    Teammates call Hedman the “nicest guy you’ll ever meet” and the “ultimate friend.”
  9. Lightning waste no time forgetting a ‘stinker’
    Oct. 11• Lightning
    Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77), right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) and center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrate a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period. COLE BURSTON | AP
    Tampa Bay takes its shot, over and over again, against the Maple Leafs.
  10. Lightning’s Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov make a super line
    Oct. 11• Lightning
    Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) celebrates his goal with defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98), defenseman Victor Hedman (77), and center Steven Stamkos (91) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Toronto. COLE BURSTON | AP
    The trio start Thursday’s game together and it’s safe to say that’s a winning combo: Lightning 7, Maple Leafs 3.
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