The Tampa Bay Lightning have been off to a strong start this season. Through 11 games, they're 7-3-1, an improvement on the 5-4-2 through the same number of games to start last season.
Key players stepping up so far have made it possible. While the top stars will always get a nod, there are always some unsung heroes. Here are three players who have run a bit under the radar this season.
Pontus Holmberg
Through 11 games this season, Holmberg is averaging just over a half point per game (0.54). One of his three goals has been labeled a game-winner.
At 27 years old, he might be taking a step forward in his game. At his current pace, he'd finish with 21 goals and 43 points if plays 80 games this season. That would be significant production for a third-line winger making just $1.5 million this season.
Charle-Edouard D'Astous
D'Astous made a nice impression during his rookie campaign last season. For a defensemen, finishing with 29 points over 70 games is excellent. Early on, like Holmberg, he's turning up the dial.
Through 10 games played, he's tallied two goals and 6 total points. At this pace, he'd finish with 16 goals and 48 points over 80 games played. That would be sufficient production from a middle six forward, and the Lightning would be getting it from a defenseman.
Another step forward would help further replace the production they got from Darren Raddysh last season. John Carlson will likely be able to do that on his own over the course of the season, but getting it done by commitee to go above and beyond would be just as welcomed.
Zemgus Girgensons
Looking at his overall offensive production, Girgensons is easy to overlook. He only has two points through 11 games. Digging a bit deeper, he's been a nice piece of the team this season.
So far, he's blocked nine shots on goal and tallied 31 hits. For good measure, he has three takeaways.
Along with his solid defense, there is one more important stat he's assembled all season. He's winning faceoffs 57.1% of the time. It's the best faceoff rate on the team by anyone with a sample size of more than one this season. Second behind him is Anthony Cirelli at 51%.
That's arguably his most important part of the offense. This team has struggled to win faceoffs, but he's got that covered.
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