Bolts by the Bay
Fansided

Which Lightning players you should expect to play in Beijing

By Danny Bennett

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

11 players on the Bolts roster hail from our friends up North in Canada. Will all 11 secure spots on Cooper’s bench? Doubtful, but here are the players you should expect to see representing Canada in Beijing.

Brayden Point, C

Aug 26, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) celebrates scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) celebrates scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period in game three of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

It should go without saying that Calgary’s own, Brayden Point, has earned himself a spot on Canada’s roster. Point has supplied the Lightning with 28 goals in the playoffs over the last two seasons, split evenly at 14 each. Recently extending his contract with the Lightning for eight seasons, it’s a safe assumption that you’ll be seeing Point walking around the Olympic Village in crocs come February.

Steven Stamkos, C

Jun 17, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) argues with a referee during the third period of game three of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals against the New York Islanders at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) argues with a referee during the third period of game three of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals against the New York Islanders at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Steven Stamkos being on the roster would be more of a Cooper wanting to – and possibly feeling he needs to – add his Captain to the team. Early projections from various sources had Stamkos unanimously on the roster, and more recently, the polar opposite; his name nowhere to be found. Of course, this was before Cooper was announced as the coach of the delegation being sent to Beijing. There can be cases made for whichever side you’re on. However, given the recent events, seeing Stamkos with the Canadian maple leaf on his sweater should really be expected at this point.

Home/Editorial