The Tampa Bay Lightning typically boasts one of the better penalty-killing units every season. However, the club finished 15th-best in penalty kill percentage, with a 79.69% success rate last season. In addition, the penalty kill struggled in the playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The unit operated at a 71.43% success rate, fourth worst amongst all playoff teams. The Lightning have an opportunity to return to an elite penalty kill unit next season. Let’s analyze the potential reasons and catalysts for this outcome.
Building The Framework For The Tampa Bay Lightning Penalty Kill
Key Departures
Ian Cole
The Lightning lost a few critical pieces to their penalty kill this off-season. First, Ian Cole signed with the Vancouver Canucks via free agency in July. Cole led all Tampa Bay players in short-handed time on ice in 2023 with 220 minutes. Moreover, his 30 short-handed blocks ranked third best on the team. Cole played a steady defensive role on the back end and won’t return next season.
Alex Killorn
The critical loss of Tampa Bay’s off-season was long-time veteran Alex Killorn. He spent his entire 805-game career with the Lightning. In addition, he ate a large chunk of minutes on the penalty kill. Last season, Killorn racked up 153 minutes in short-handed ice time. Moreover, he recorded eight takeaways on the penalty kill, third best amongst all Lightning players. Killorn shifted his talents to California with the Anaheim Ducks for the next four seasons.
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
Another moving part this off-season was French veteran Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. Bellemare played the role of a fourth-line centre for the Lightning with an ability to kill penalties. He spent a total of 165 minutes short-handed in 2023. Additionally, his 17 blocked shots ranked first amongst all Lightning forwards on the penalty kill. Bellemare will join the Seattle Kraken in a similar role for the upcoming season.
The Building Blocks
Roster pieces come and go every year in the NHL. It allows players opportunities to thrive in different environments. Tampa Bay is hanging on to a few of their top penalty-killers heading into next season. Let’s see what they bring to the table.
Brandon Hagel
There is always risk when sacrificing draft picks and prospects for current roster talent. It was especially true when Tampa Bay acquired Brandon Hagel via trade. Hagel quickly became one of the Lightning’s building blocks for years. He recently signed an 8-year extension worth $52 million this summer.
Hagel killed 156 minutes of penalties for the Lightning last season, first amongst active forwards on the roster heading into 2024. Moreover, he led the Lightning with three short-handed points. Hagel added 19 short-handed takeaways, the best amongst all Lightning players. He will continue to be an essential piece moving forward.
Erik Cernak
A staple of Tampa Bay’s backend, Erik Cernak adds fantastic defensive support. The 26-year-old made a name for himself as a stay-at-home defenceman. Cernak racked up 205 minutes of short-handed time on ice last season, second-best behind Cole. In addition, his 30 blocks ranked second amongst the Lightning. Cernak is best known for his shot-blocking and defensive read. Expect him to continue thriving in a shutdown role.
Nick Paul
Many questioned Nick Paul signing an 8-year extension with the Lightning last summer. However, he’s very underappreciated for his defensive game. Paul’s defensive prowess should not go unnoticed. While Paul only played 111 minutes short-handed, he managed to get nine takeaways, tied for second-best on the roster. He’s also known as a good shot blocker who is aggressive on the puck. Paul will become a catalyst for Tampa Bay’s penalty kill in 2024.
Additions
Luke Glendening
The Lightning added a potential penalty killer in free agency from the Dallas Stars. Luke Glendening will join the roster in place of Bellemare next season. Glendening racked up 157 minutes of short-handed ice time last season. Furthermore, he posted a faceoff win rate of 55% successful on the penalty kill. He’s a good option for vital draws heading into next year.
Potential Units
Unit 1:
Cirelli-Hagel
Sergachev-Cernak
Unit 2:
Glendening-Paul
Hedman-Bogosian
The Lightning’s penalty kill will need to improve next season to find playoff success again. Glendening offers a replacement for a second unit. Paul seems like a very trustworthy option as well. Anthony Cirelli is the backbone of Tampa Bay’s defensive forwards and will continue to use his speed to find success short-handed. Overall, with the coaching of Jon Cooper, this group can finish as a top-10 penalty kill in the entire league.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
