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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 /
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The Czech Republic auto-qualifies for the Olympics ranked fifth overall. The Czech team is stacked on offense, and lacking depth on defense, as they are one of the younger teams competing in the Olympics. The Lightning have two players on their roster that represent the Czech Republic, however, one is a certainty and the other is an outside shot.

Ondrej Palat, LW

Jun 25, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) passes the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders in game seven of the Stanley Cup Semifinals at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) passes the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders in game seven of the Stanley Cup Semifinals at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Ondrej Palat is just reliable. An extremely well-rounded player, there is no one area where he is far better than the other. He has given the Lightning solid minutes, year-after-year, and most importantly- comes up big when called upon, scoring five game-winning goals in the playoffs over the last two seasons. Forbes listed Palat as must draft for the Seattle Kraken in the Expansion Draft, thankfully for he wasn’t selected; although we all know how that played out and still broke our hearts.

For reference, defenseman Jan Rutta is the player referenced on the outside looking in.

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