3 Lightning Standouts From Orlando Game vs Panthers
Another annual preseason bout in Orlando has come and gone, and the Tampa Bay Lightning took down the Florida Panthers at the Kia Center, 3-2. Like last preseason, the Lightning pulled out a one-goal win.
With the game now in the books, let’s look at some standouts and bring their performance into the greater scope of the preseason. This list does not reflect the three stars of the game. The goal is to dig a little deeper and explore a player’s significance beyond just this night’s performance.
Jakob Pelletier
So far, Jakob Pelletier looks like a promising addition for the Lightning. He scored his second goal of the preseason to pick up the team’s third and game-winning score on the night. He’s gotten himself on the scoresheet twice in three games played.
Both of his goals have come in clutch situations, with his first being a game-tying goal against the Nashville Predators on Sept. 23. It bodes well for someone looking to crack the NHL roster out of camp.
Pelletier is a 2019 first-round pick who is looking to finally find his footing in the NHL. With Nick Paul out with an injury for the first month of the season, the door is wide open for playing time to start the season. So far, he’s made a nice impression, sticking around as other players fall victim to roster cuts in training camp.
Even beyond filling in for an injury, seeing Pelletier succeed now is a promising sign for improving depth across the forward lines. The top-heavy Lightning could have a chance to strengthen the bottom six if Pelletier can be unlocked.
Oliver Bjorkstrand
Each time he gets on the scoresheet should help build the excitement for what the Lightning can get out of Oliver Bjorkstrand. The 30-year-old forward opened the scoring in the game with a power-play goal in the first period. It was the lone special teams goal from either team, and he earned the first star on the night.
He fired a game-high five shots in the game, doing his best to put the pressure on. In total, he’s tallied two goals and two assists for four points on the preseason campaign.
The Lightning picked up Bjorkstrand, alongside Yanni Gourde, ahead of last season’s trade deadline. However, he saw his season come to an early end due to developing compartment syndrome. The ailment kept him out of playoff action, which created a crucial what-if following another first-round exit. Another solid night during the preseason provides promise that he’ll have a chance to be the impact player the Lightning hoped he would be this upcoming season.
Darren Raddysh
The 29-year-old defenseman did what he could to get in on the scoring action in Orlando. He assisted on Bjorkstrand’s goal and fired four shots on net during the game. So far in the preseason, he has a goal and two assists for three points.
Over the last two seasons, Raddysh has become a bigger factor in the scoring game, picking up at least 30 points and 20 assists each time. In 2024-25, he set a career high in points with 37 despite playing nine fewer games than the previous season.
His points per game went up from 0.40 in 2023-24 to 0.50 in 2024-25. So far, he’s picked up where he’s left off. Seeing that consistency early on should help build confidence in the Lightning’s scoring depth.
The Lightning are seeing production without the assistance of their top stars in the preseason. It’s not a fully guaranteed sign that they’ll look this good in the regular season. After all, competition will be different, and fully NHL-level talent. That being said, games such as this one help give the team an idea of what they can potentially expect in the regular season and help decide who is most likely to make an impact. Play well now, and you’ll have a chance to prove you can keep it up in the regular season.
Lamar Jackson Affirms: "Even If I'm Not Playing, I'll Still Lead the Team to Victory!"
Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson, a player known for his electrifying style of play, is not letting an injury slow down his leadership or his commitment to his team. Despite being sidelined for the Week 5 game against the Houston Texans due to a hamstring injury, Jackson made it clear that his impact on the team will remain strong. In a bold statement, Jackson said,
Jackson’s words resonated with his teammates, reminding them that true leadership transcends the field. His absence doesn’t mean a lack of presence. As the quarterback of the Ravens, Jackson has consistently led by example, on and off the field, and now, even from the sidelines, he’s showing his ability to motivate and guide the team in a new way.
While Jackson’s dynamic skills are irreplaceable, the Ravens are learning to rally around his leadership, both in practice and in their preparation for their games. Jackson is known not only for his athleticism but also for his innate ability to inspire those around him. His words serve as a reminder that leadership isn’t just about being the best player on the field but also about helping to steer the team towards success, regardless of the circumstances.
As Jackson continues to recover from his injury, veteran backup quarterback Cooper Rush is set to take the reins. Although Jackson’s absence is a blow to the Ravens, his confidence in the team has never wavered. "I trust my guys," he said. "We've got what it takes to keep pushing forward. The Ravens are more than just one player, and I believe in every single one of my teammates."
With Jackson’s leadership and unwavering support, the Ravens’ mentality remains focused on the long-term goal: achieving greatness as a team. They are determined to not let setbacks define them but to push forward with resilience and unity. This collective spirit, fueled by Jackson’s guidance, will undoubtedly play a huge part in their success moving forward.
For the Ravens, it’s not about one player, it’s about the strength of the team—and Lamar Jackson's words have proven that the heart of this team beats strong, no matter who is on the field.
