Over the years the Tampa Bay Lightning have developed a reputation when it comes to their on ice play. Even in a time when enforcers commonly patrolled the fourth lines, the Bolts were seen as being a team built on finesse. The 2004 Stanley Cup DVD features an announcer’s comment that the Lightning’s match up against the Calgary Flames was skill versus will. Lack of physicality in their game has long been seen as one of the major issues preventing the Bolts from becoming a threat in the Eastern Conference. It appears that lack of grit will soon be a thing of the past in Tampa and there’s a few big reasons why. (Yzernan Image/Douglas Philp)
Jon Cooper being named head coach of the team in March of 2013 heralded a change in playing style. Cooper definitely favors a focus in putting the puck on net first, but his system also stresses defensive responsibility. It doesn’t matter what line they’re on, every player must do their part to chip in. It’s not uncommon to see skill players like Ondrej Palat or Steven Stamkos mucking it up in the corners and throwing their body around.
This change in style became even more noticeable when Ryan Callahan came to Tampa. The former Rangers captain leads by example with tenacious effort at both ends of the ice. He throws his own body around and isn’t afraid to risk injury by blocking shots. Cally plays a very tough game while still showing up on the score sheet. His approach transitioned to the rest of the roster as well.
GM Steve Yzerman‘s free agency activity this summer kicked Tampa’s toughness up front to another level. One of the biggest additions to the forward corps is Brian Boyle. He is literally the biggest addition at 6’7″ and 244 pounds. He’ll take over Nate Thompson‘s spot on the fourth line. Boyle is a hardworking, defensive-minded forward and will see time on the penalty kill. The hard-nosed grinder is sure to be a steady contributor on the lower lines.
The signing of 15 year NHL veteran Brenden Morrow takes things up another notch. In addition to the leadership he’ll bring to a very young team, he also brings a physical edge with his play. Morrow may not be known as a prolific scorer, but he’s sure to be an asset on the offensive side. The sandpaper he adds to the lineup is a boon for the Bolts.
When the Lightning take the ice to start the 2014-15 season in October, they are going to look a lot different than the team we saw in April. There’s a number of new faces and a new approach to their game. Their offseason has certainly been getting attention from hockey pundits. Some of them are even pegging the Bolts as the most dangerous team in the East ahead of the Boston Bruins. It’s easy to make these predictions before the puck has been dropped, but one thing is certain. The Lightning have gotten bigger and tougher. That can only help them to get back to the playoffs.
Feature Box photo/slidingsideways)
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