Hot and Cold Starts After Thirteen Games
By Noah Wilson
It’s been quite the month of chaotic Tampa Bay Lightning hockey, with the Lightning being involved in high-shooting, high-scoring games, and just all-around enjoyable hockey.
With every season, there are going to be players who have great starts to the season, with last season’s surprise being Alex Killorn, but there are always going to be those who have a slow start, which was Corey Perry last season. As is in the name, these hot and cold streaks didn’t last long, as Killorn’s scoring dropped after Kucherov and Point returned to the lineup, and Perry saw his goal totals go up, finishing the season with 19 goals, 21 assists, 40 points.
The only notable missing pieces for stretches so far this season for the Lightning have come from Victor Hedman (injury), Cal Foote (healthy scratch), and Ian Cole (suspension). With injuries, however, come new players entering the lineup. Players like Hayden Fleury, Nick Perbix, and Phillipe Myers have shown their worth to the best of their abilities with the opportunities given to them. With that being said, we’ll be looking at each player having a hot start to the season, and others who are having cold starts.