Tampa Bay Lightning: Three Notes from Preseason Win over Carolina

The Tampa Bay Lightning returned to the ice at Amalie Arena for the first time of the 2023-24 season, taking down the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. The win marked the second of the preseason for Tampa Bay and the first in regulation after defeating Nashville in overtime Wednesday.

Carolina came into the game with a mostly full group of forwards despite being part of a split squad tonight. Tampa Bay dressed a little less than half of the expected opening roster, with Jonas Johansson making his first start of the preseason between the pipes and opening eyes while doing so.

Johansson’s Shutout Night in Net

Following the news that Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected the next two months following back surgery, Johansson became the immediate favorite to become the opening night starter. The 6-5 goaltender has just 35 games of NHL experience after never really getting to be an NHL regular in parts of four NHL seasons in Buffalo, Florida and Colorado.

His first preseason action saw him stop all 42 Carolina shots thrown his way. Carolina is often among the league leaders in shots on goal but they still had a fair share of dangerous chances. Johansson certainly helped put the minds of Lightning nation somewhat at ease with his impressive first showing.

Cirelli with Strong Night on Offense

It has been well told how strong of a defensive forward Anthony Cirelli is. Cirelli has the chance to have even greater impact if he is able to find greater offensive output. Cirelli accounted for two of the Lightning’s four goals including a short-handed goal in the third period.

Last season may have been a bit disappointing as far as offense was concerned for Cirelli, collecting just 11 goals and 29 points. Missing the first two months of the season certainly hurt him and having a full training camp for him this season after a longer offseason might bode well for the output from Cirelli.

Eyssimont-Cirelli-Sheary Line

Obviously Friday was a big night for Cirelli, but his line with Mikey Eyssimont and Conor Sheary were very noticeable. They accounted for nine total shots between them. They were easily the most noticeable line for the Lightning tonight, in large part because of their skating, particularly with Sheary and Eyssimont.

With the reps this trio have been getting together in training camp and the preseason, there is a decent chance we can see this combination as the Lightning’s third line to start the season.