Tampa Bay Lightning Report Cards: The Defense

If you predicted the crazy season the Tampa Bay Lightning would have in 2013/2014, I promise you, your talents are being wasted in whatever job you currently hold. With the playoffs upon us, it’s a good time to look back, reflect, and ask ourselves: Did all of that really happen in 82 games?

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

What a ride it’s been. It started in last year’s off-season, when Lightning GM Steve Yzerman made a tough choice to buyout the contract of long-time captain Vincent Lecavalier. In November, Steven Stamkos slid awkwardly into a goal-post and wound up missing 45 games with a broken leg. And then, when it finally looked like everything was about to settle down, Marty St. Louis, the team’s heart and soul, forced his way out of town.

If you’re keeping track, the Lightning are on their third captain in the span of a year.

Of course, the year was speckled with other, lesser adversities. From Ben Bishop’s barrage of mysterious injuries to, just recently, Ryan Malone’s DUI and possession of cocaine bust, the Lightning have had their share of distractions.

So now let’s focus in. Let’s go player-by-player through the remaining Tampa Bay Lightning roster, review their season, and grade their performance.

We’ll start with the defense. GM Steve Yzerman was criticized in the off-season for not addressing the Lightning’s defensive issues, but Yzerman, along with his new coach, Jon Cooper, maintained that the Lightning would play defense by way of a five man unit. For the bulk of the year, the Lightning did just that, and the results were impressive. When they got away from it, the holes in their blue line showed through.

Players with a minimum 20 games played are listed in numerical order. Just for fun, I’ll add my pre-season forecasts for each player.

#6 Sami Salo

My 2013/2014 Forecast: 25 points, 65-70 games, remains a powerplay presence but takes a slight step back in other areas, 18-20 minutes per game.

GP: 71 G: 4 A: 13 Pts: 17 +/-: 11 PIM: 18

Apr 3, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Sami Salo (6) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames in the third period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Sami Salo remained solid this year for the Lightning, but athletically, he took a noticeable step back. Salo was never a fast player, but this season, there were times where his footspeed caused problems for him. While he played a lot with Victor Hedman on the top-pairing, Salo probably slid significantly down the organization’s depth chart. That’s not so bad – he’s almost 40 years old, after all.

The biggest positive to Salo’s season was that it was, for the most part, a healthy one. Salo has a long history of injury-plagued seasons, and by his standards, 71 games played isn’t bad at all. Like Brewer, Salo saw his icetime decrease significantly in those games, going from almost 21 minutes per game in the 2013 season to 18:11 this year.

Salo’s numbers were also held back by reduced powerplay responsibilities. This, believe it or not, was a good thing for the Lightning as a whole – it happened because Victor Hedman finally grasped the role of the team’s #1 defenseman.

Over all it was a solid year for Salo. He wasn’t quite the shining light on the blue line that he was at times last season, but I’m not sure we could have expected much more.

Grade: B-

Looking Ahead: In all likelihood, this is Sami Salo’s last go-round in Tampa Bay. His contract is expiring after the playoffs, and it’s unlikely the Lightning will be willing to bring him back for anything close to what he’s making now ($3.75 million cap hit). It’s not impossible that Salo will be back, but if it happens, expect it to be at a much reduced rate. Otherwise, whether he decides to retire or signs elsewhere, Tampa will wish him well and thank him for a good two years.

#7 Radko Gudas

My 2013/2014 Forecast: 10 points in 75 games, good plus/minus, plenty of hits and PIMs, 18-20 minutes per game.

GP: 73  G: 3  A: 19  Pts: 22  +/-: 2  PIM: 152

Mar 20, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Radko Gudas (7) follow the puck in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

It was an up-and-down year for Radko Gudas, in what officially counts as his rookie season. On one hand, Gudas provided more offense than expected. On the other, Gudas was responsible for several costly giveaways, occasionally found himself out of position, and sometimes appeared to have trouble keeping up with the play.

Mid-season, Gudas sustained what was officially called a head injury (read: concussion) after a fight with Luca Sbisa of the Anaheim Ducks, in which Gudas took a heavy punch after the officials had already restrained him. After that injury, Gudas’s bear-like play seemed somewhat inconsistent. There were games where he’d look as ferocious as ever, and in other games he seemed to disappear. In the midst of that, there were noticeable fatigue issues that led to questionable decision-making by Gudas in his own zone.

All that said, it was a good season for Radko. It’s easy to forget, because of the way he plays, that he is still a rookie. And therefore, some mistakes are to be expected. Gudas did, after all, break twenty points. He also led all rookies in hits with 273 (a whopping 61 ahead of second place), finished second in hits by a defenseman (despite playing six games fewer than first place), and was tied for third in hits by any player in the NHL. Not too shabby.

Grade: B

Looking Ahead: Gudas should remain a Bolt for the foreseeable future. And by this point, we know what to expect. I don’t think there’s much untapped offensive potential (then again, he surprised us all this year), but he should continue to learn the defensive side of the game and become more and more valuable as the year’s go on. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him soften the edge on his physical game (not too much – don’t worry). While it’s fun to watch Gudas play like a homicidal maniac, and to be honest I hope it continues, there’s something to be said for him toning down his game for the sake of his own longevity in the league.

#8 Mark Barberio

My 2013/2014 Forecast: Some growing pains but nothing catostophic, 25 points in 65 games, 14-15 minutes per game.

GP: 49 G: 5 A: 5 Pts: 10 +/-: 10 PIM: 28

Mar 1, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mark Barberio (8) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Lightning defeated the Stars 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Where Gudas’s season was up-and-down, Barberio’s season was a roller-coaster. On the whole, he played about as well as one could expect a rookie to play, but ultimately he wound up losing his everyday role with the team once Mike Kostka was acquired. Kostka provided much of what Barberio provided, but with less risk in the defensive zone.

At the top of his game, Barberio provides terrific speed and skating from the back end. He can often be seen leading the rush, or controlling the play from the point, and, usually, his skating allows him to make risky offensive decisions and still get back in time. Usually.

There was also the other side of the coin, where Barberio appeared to struggle with NHL-level physicality along the boards. Not to mention the confidence issues. Most of those had evaporated by the Olympic break, but that’s when Kostka came into the fold. Kostka’s good play, more than anything Barberio did wrong, is the reason why Barberio has struggled to make it into the Lightning lineup of late.

Grade: C

Looking Ahead: It’s still too early to say what Mark Barberio will be at the NHL level. He’s a player who has historically taken time to adapt to new settings and situations, but he has adapted, over time, thanks to his hockey IQ. Barberio will probably find his way into a couple of playoff games, and good performances could win him more time. Next season, it’s reasonable to expect Barberio to take a step forward, although there’s no telling how big or small that step will be. While I wouldn’t be shocked if Barberio’s name came up in trade talks as part of a package for, say, a legitimate #2 defenseman, I think the Lightning have every intention of staying patient with him and letting the chips fall where they may.

#25 Matt Carle

My 2013/2014 Forecast: Solid year, 35-40 points, some frustrating defensive hiccups, 22+ minutes per game.

GP: 82  G: 2  A: 29  Pts: 31  +/-: 11  PIM: 28

Mar 22, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle (25) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It was a quiet year for Matt Carle. In a good way. While his offensive numbers were slightly down, Carle played a solid two-way game and remained a go-to guy for Jon Cooper when the chips were down.

One reason for lower offensive numbers was the emergence of Victor Hedman. Carle found himself demoted to the second power play unit, when he received powerplay time at all, and the result was just seven points on the powerplay. His overall minutes were reduced as well, going from 23:45 in the lockout season to 22:11 this year. These, however, are good signs. Carle is a good #2 defenseman, an ideal #3 defenseman, but he’s only going to be the #1 defenseman on poor teams. Hedman’s emergence around November of this year allowed Carle to slip into a role he’s more suited to, a quieter role, but one he exceled at and should continue to excel at.

Grade: B

Looking Ahead: Carle’s 84 games of playoff experience will be very useful for the Lightning in the coming post-season. He’ll provide leadership, and hopefully will elevate his intensity, which could prove contagious. Beyond this year’s playoffs, Carle should provide exactly what he did this season for the next several years. While his $5.5 is pretty steep, there’s no reason to believe the Lightning won’t be able to make it work for the length of the contract.

#62 Andrej Sustr

My 2013/2014 Forecast: Splits time between Tampa Bay and Syracuse, plays 30-35 games for the Bolts, 0-5 points, 10-12 sheltered minutes-per-game.

GP: 43  G: 1  A: 7  Pts: 8  +/-: 3  PIM: 16

Jan 5, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Andrej Sustr (62) skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to grade Andrej Sustr’s season without keeping one crucial fact in mind: he wasn’t even supposed to play in the NHL this year. Even so, Sustr made the Lightning out of camp, played several strong games before losing his way a bit, got sent down to Syracuse where he spent much of his time on the IR, and then was finally brought back to the Lightning where he’s returned to his early season form. Given that there were no expectations on Sustr whatsoever, it’s been a very, very successful season for him.

Because of Sustr’s size (6’8), he’s often compared to Zdeno Chara. Those comparisons couldn’t be more off the mark. Sustr’s game is based on positioning and his reach, and, at this point, he doesn’t have much of a physical game to speak of. That could change as he continues to fill out his massive frame, and my guess is the Lightning are hoping it will. Sustr is currently listed at 216 pounds, but like many large defensemen, it could be a few years before he fully physically matures. He’s a project for the Lightning right now, but early signs are good.

Grade: A

Looking Ahead: As strange as it is to say, Sustr’s roster spot for next season is not yet guaranteed. He should make his share of playoff appearances, but there has to be some concern about whether he’ll be able to stand up to the more intense, physical style of play. If he does, he’ll make next year’s roster. If he doesn’t, it’s not unthinkable that the Bolts will send him to Syracuse for a full year of seasoning, especially if they acquire a defenseman in the off-season.

#77 Victor Hedman

My 2013/2014 Forecast: Another baby step, 35-40 points, a career year, some lapses in decision-making, 22-24 minutes per game.

GP: 75  G: 13  A: 42  Pts: 55  +/-: 5  PIM: 53

Mar 24, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) skates with the puck against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Hedman blew any and all expectations out of the water this season. For instance, my best case scenario for Hedman read as follows: “Emerges as the player we hope he’s going to be, scores 45-50 points, dominates defensively.” Even that fell short of what Hedman actually did this season, scoring 55 points in just 75 games, while taking more steps defensively at the same time.

While Hedman still makes defensive mistakes, several of them, really, I would argue that he has become dominant in his own end. Hedman is a deceptively physical player. While it’s rare to see him throwing Radko Gudas-like body checks, Hedman does use his size and strength to push opponents off the puck along the boards. He’s now unquestionably Tampa Bay’s first option in all situations, and that has been a major key to the Lightning’s surprising season.

Hedman really started turning the jets on in November, sometime after Steven Stamkos went down with a broken leg. In October, Hedman scored just five points and was a -2 in 12 games, and averaged 20:27 in icetime. His icetime didn’t dip below 21 minutes in any other month, nor did he score lower than 0.5 points-per-game in any other month of the season.

Grade: A+

Looking Ahead: We can hope that Hedman’s breakout year is only a taste of what’s to come. Realistically, it’s hard to expect anything better than what Hedman was this year. Maybe fewer defensive zone lapses in judgement. Then again, given how Hedman blew away expectations this year, I don’t think we can really know for sure what he has in store for us. It’ll be fun to watch.

The Other Guys

Aside from those listed, a handful of other defensemen suited up for a significant amount of games with the Lightning this season. Most notable among them is Mike Kostka, who’s quickly turned himself into a regular on coach Cooper’s blue line. In 19 games with the Lightning, Kostka scored an impressive 8 points while logging nearly 16 minutes in icetime.

Keith Aulie had a rough season. At season’s open, it looked like he would be the team’s seventh defenseman, but with the emergence of Andrej Sustr, the sporadic good play of Mark Barberio, and the late-season acquisition of Mike Kostka, not to mention a hand injury thrown into the mix, Aulie wound up playing just 15 games this year. Aulie will be a restricted free agent at the end of the playoffs and it’s unknown what the Lightning’s plans are for him.

Jean-Philippe Cote was a feel-good story mid-season. Cote, a 31 year-old rookie, was called up to play with the Lightning, and was solid in 19 games played. He registered 4 assists in that time. While Cote provides great organizational depth and leadership in Syracuse, and is a great option to bring up when the injury bug strikes hard, his lack of speed will always hurt his chance to be a regular in the NHL. Regardless, he remains an important part of the organization in his role in Syracuse.

Thanks for reading. Tune in next time when I’ll review the forwards.