Which Lightning players you should expect to play in Beijing

Jul 7, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (98) checks Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) during the first period in game five of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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When Team USA takes the ice in Beijing, the Lightning may not have a single player on the roster if no changes are made from the World Championship team. However, if a change is in the air, just one player from the Lightning could play on the world’s stage.

Ryan McDonagh, D

Jun 8, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) checks Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jesper Fast (71) in game five of the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan McDonagh is a fan favorite in Tampa Bay, and for a good reason. During the Lightning’s last playoff run, not only did McDonagh provide eight assists, but he also had a +/- of 18. That is a Lightning playoff record and was good enough for the 20th best in the game’s history. With 46 blocks, 53 hits, and 17 takeaways in the 23 playoff games the Lightning played last season, it would not be surprising to see coach Mike Sullivan and USA Hockey call upon McDonagh to make the trek to China in February.

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