Cole Koepke making the Tampa Bay Lightning has been a very poorly kept secret since the summer when both coaching staff and management made it clear they like him and he’s going to get a shot. On Tuesday it actually happened as Koepke made his NHL debut on the third line for the Lightning in a 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers. In the game he recorded a shot in only eight minutes of ice time as the Lightning struggled to produce offense at 5v5 and leaned on their top six heavily.
Offense at even strength is going to be a struggle for the team this season.