Tampa Bay Lightning: Players highlight off-season on social media

Tampa Bay Lightning players show off their offseason travels on Instagram

As the offseason is only about three and a half months for the Tampa Bay Lightning this year, it comes to no surprise that the Bolts are scattered around the world currently. With not much down time the rest of the year, players have taken advantage of the time off before the quest for the Stanley Cup starts yet again.

As usual, there is a lot of speculation as to how the Lightning will fare next season. According to OddsShark, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs are tied as favorites to win the Stanley Cup for this season.

The Bolts won’t have an easy go of it, though. There are quite a few familiar names near the top of the list, most of which were in contention for the Cup last season.

The Bolts will get the chance to prove those odds starting Oct. 6 in the season opener against the Florida Panthers. Until then, the players have shown their travels and memories for the summer through social media. While some players may not have Instagram (cough cough, Steven Stamkos) many have illustrated their adventures on the app. Here are some below.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has had quite a summer. It started off with being nominated for the Vezina Trophy for the 2017-2018 season.

After a 44 win season, Vasilevskiy relaxed in his home country Russia and even got to have some fun at a Guns N’ Roses concert.

The goaltender also celebrated International Cat Day back at home in Tampa Bay. Hopes are high for Vasilevskiy to lead the Bolts deep into the playoffs yet again this season and put up another Vezina Trophy-worthy season.

Nikita Kucherov

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has proved to be the heart of the Lightning’s offense the past few seasons, and he did it again this past season. Kucherov notched 100 points this season, a personal best for the right wing.

This offseason marked a huge milestone in Kucherov’s career. The forward signed an eight-year extension worth an average value of $9.5 million per year. This was a huge signing, seeing that Kucherov still has one year left on his contract. It proves that Kucherov loves Tampa Bay, and has no plans to leave the team.

Ryan McDonagh

After being traded to the Lightning from the New York Rangers this season, defenseman Ryan McDonagh signed a seven-year contract extension with the Bolts. Joining former Rangers like Ryan Callahan, Anton Stralman, and Dan Girardi, McDonagh played 14 games with the Lightning last season. McDonagh has enjoyed his summer with his daughter in Minnesota.

Tyler Johnson

Lightning forward Tyler Johnson has posted some scenic photos this summer, with some including his dog Riesling. Johnson has the spent the summer in Idaho.

Johnson has also shown his skills on the water as well. The Lightning forward recorded 50 points last season in 81 games.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Blq8Si-B5bz/?taken-by=tjohnny09

It seems that Riesling may think Johnson can carry her around like a puppy still… looks a fun summer for Johnson and his family!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmMTniHlExM/?taken-by=tjohnny09

Mikhail Sergachev

In his first full season, defenseman Mikhail Sergachev notched 40 points and proved his worth as a rookie. This summer, Sergachev has traveled around Europe, including various cities in Italy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkm0e3jhE_y/?taken-by=sergach98

Even if Sergachev was looking for pizza, his adventures have not stopped him from training for next season. If he keeps up this type of training, Sergachev will have an even better year this season than he did last.

While it is fun to watch the Bolts travel around the country and world, I’m sure Bolts Nation can agree with me that we’d rather see these boys on the ice together.

Thankfully, the Bolts Nation is only a matter of weeks away from getting their wish. Sooner rather than later, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be back together on the ice once again and ready to start their journey towards the Holy Grail of hockey, the Stanley Cup.