The Tampa Bay Lightning have ascended to the top of the Eastern Conference on the back of a solid offense and a surprisingly competent defense considering it’s comprised of three players that, if the season had played out as expected, would have been freezing in Syracuse instead of enjoying the sun and fun of Florida. Charle-Edouard D’Astous (19:07), Declan Carlile (14:09), and Max Crozier (15:30) are logging big minutes due to the injuries suffered earlier in the season by some blueline staples.
While injuries have woven themselves into the Lightning’s story since opening night, the real issues for the Tampa Bay defense started on November 8 when Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh were both injured against the Washington Capitals.