Some players play better with certain players. That’s the name of the game when it comes to line combinations in the NHL. Head Coach Jon Cooper has frequently shuffled his combinations to open the 2024 season. On forward, only one line has spent more than 30 minutes together, and there’s a good reason for it. The Tampa Bay Lightning top line has been successful.
Alex Barré-Boulet Joins Tampa Bay Lightning Top Line
After dominance in the AHL and an injury to Tyler Motte, Alex Barré-Boulet finally earned an opportunity from Cooper. Motte suffered an upper-body injury during the first game of the regular season and is still weeks out from returning. Barré-Boulet has found great success in opening the season so far.
Alex Barré-Boulet: Too Good For the AHL
The Tampa Bay Crunch’s all-time leader in goals, assists, and points was due to earn a spot on the big stage this season. During the 2022 season, Barré-Boulet scored 16 goals and 47 assists for 63 points in 58 games. Barré-Boulet solidified himself as a superstar in the American Hockey League, earning 2023 First All-Star Team honors. He placed only behind Michael Carcone in scoring during the 2023 campaign. In 69 games, Barré-Boulet notched 20 goals and 64 assists for 84 points. Additionally, he recorded one goal and nine points in five playoff games.
There is nothing left for Barré-Boulet to prove at a minor league level. The undrafted gem has exceeded all expectations placed on him at a young age. Now, he has a golden opportunity to establish himself as a full-time player for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Nikita Kucherov’s Hot Start
Nikita Kucherov continues to tear apart defenses to open the 2024 season. The Russian winger has a team-best six goals and 10 points in seven games. His 10 points rank tied for fifth in overall league production. Outside of his apparent goal-scoring touch, Kucherov is still a passing machine. In Last Word’s tracked microstats project, Kucherov has completed 42 passes in the first two games of the season. For context, the next highest total for a forward is Brandon Hagel, with 24 completed passes. In addition, Kucherov leads the team with eight chance assists and five high-danger passes. He will continue to be in the running for the Art Ross Trophy all season long.
Brayden Point Gets a Sigh of Relief
A massive weight lifted off Brayden Point‘s chest when he potted his first goal on Tuesday night. The goal came off the power-play with a moving redirection. While Point has struggled to find his goal-scoring touch, he’s developed his passing game tremendously. Point leads the Lightning with eight assists on the season. Furthermore, his eight assists rank second-best in the entire league. Goals come in bunches, so there should be zero concern about Point finding his touch moving forward.
The Numbers Behind Success
Barré-Boulet has found immediate chemistry alongside Kucherov and Point. The trio is the only consistent Lightning forward line to control over 50% of the expected goal share. Their 58.1 xGF% ranks 21st amongst all line combinations with 30 or more minutes together. In terms of offensive play driving, their 3.8 xGF/60 ranks 10th in the league. Furthermore, the trio is controlling the unblocked shot attempts, with a 56.7 FF%, good enough for 18th amongst all active line combinations. While the line is currently on for two goals for and two goals against, the results should see a turn with the talent and data behind them.
Barré-Boulet has goals in back-to-back games for the Lightning. He scored his second goal of the season on Tuesday night off a redirection against the Carolina Hurricanes. Moreover, he scored his other goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a similar fashion with a redirection. Barré-Boulet displays a unique hockey IQ with impressive offensive instincts, making him a great fit alongside two of the NHL’s most talented superstars.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
