Tampa Bay Lightning F Vladislav Namestnikov quickly becoming a target

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov is quickly learning, with great success comes great responsibility…and a lot of hard hits.

The Bolts Nation had some pretty high expectations of the Tampa Bay Lightning as they headed into their 25^th Anniversary Season. There has been a few bumps in the road along the way, but for the most part, the Lightning has done a pretty excellent job of meeting and exceeding these expectations.

One of the main reasons the Lightning has been so successful thus far has been the outstanding play of their top offensive line, consisting of captain Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Vladislav Namestnikov. At this point, it’s near impossible to not hear the name Stamkos or Kucherov when you turn on channels like NHL Network, NBC Sports Network, and/or Fox Sports Sun. However, there is another name in that mix.

One of the most underrated players of the season has been Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov. Namestnikov has been flying under the radar for most of the season, quietly making plays happen from behind the veil of Stamkos and Kucherov. As of late, Vladdy has been stepping out of the shadows and truly forging a path for himself.

More from Bolts by the Bay

Unfortunately, with great success comes great responsibility…and a lot of hard hits. This is a lesson Vladislav Namestnikov has been forced to learn very quickly this season. As soon as Vladdy started to heat up and become one of the names regularly mentioned in Lightning storylines, it was almost like he had a target duct taped to the back of his jersey.

The target on Namestnikov’ back became blatantly apparent on December 16 as the Tampa Bay Lightning took on the Colorado Avalanche. The Lightning were up 4-1 over the Avalanche in the final minutes of the second period. Vladdy found himself with a wonderful scoring opportunity when he was completely up-ended by Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson.

Namestnikov had already released the puck and found himself in a rather vulnerable position when he was cross-checked from behind by Johnson and sent crashing into the boards with a resounding thud. As one could easily expect, in addition to the penalties assessed on the ice, Johnson’s hit was reviewed by the NHL Department of Player Safety. In the end, Johnson would be suspended for two games.

Just when you think the storm has passed and the Lightning could get back to business as usual, here comes the Vegas Golden Knights. Much like the hit from Johnson during the Avalanche game, what would happen to Vladdy late in the first period was completely uncalled for and could’ve ended much worse for the Bolts.

At 18:13 in the first, the Golden Knights found themselves on their second penalty kill of the night as James Neal was given a one-way ticket to the sin bin for Slashing against Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. The opportunity with the man-advantage opened the door for Vladdy to tie things up for the Lightning.

Unfortunately, it was what happened next which would seriously curtail the goal celebration. After sinking the puck past Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and into the back of the net, Vladdy raised his hands high in the air in celebration. It was this precise moment when Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb found it necessary to cross-check Namestnikov hard into his rib cage.

It wasn’t long before the celebration was over and Vladdy found himself doubled over in pain. After the celly broke up, it would be Nikita Kucherov who would check on his teammate and get the lowdown on what happened. Surprisingly enough, the referees – who were right there when everything went down – feigned ignorance and there was no call made.

Don’t worry, Vladdy. The refs may not have had your back, but the fans see you. The only good thing (other than the goal) to come of this situation is, while shaken up, Vladdy was not seriously injured on the play. When a player’s arms go into the air, their mid-section is wildly unprotected. A cheap shot like the one handed to Vladdy by McNabb could’ve resulted in a couple of broken ribs.

Vladdy is already on pace to set a new career record for himself before the season is over. He is currently in second place on the team in goals and fourth on the team in overall points. In the 34 games he’s played thus far, Vladdy has already brought home 15 goals and 15 assists for a total of 30 points.

In the 2015-16 season, Namestnikov set his personal best with 14 goals and 21 assists for a total of 35 points. Did we forget to mention this was in 80 games? Vladdy is near accomplishing this feat in just 34 games. Needless to say, Vladdy has truly stepped up this season and is determined to make a name for himself.

Next: Ryan Callahan Out Indefinitely With Upper-Body Injury

The future holds great things for Vladislav Namestnikov; especially if he continues to work as hard as he has over the course of the 2017-18 season. Here’s hoping in addition to setting the bar even higher for himself this season he is able to remain fairly unscathed as he becomes more and more of a target for opponents.

Home / Editorial