4 Lightning Representatives Land On NHL Network's Quarter Century Team

The NHL Network released its quarter century team of players who debuted on or after Jan. 1, 2000, and the team featured four Tampa Bay Lightning representatives.

The Bolts are one of the most successful teams since 2000. The Lightning have won three Stanley Cups since 2000, tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks, so it's no surprise the team is littered with Tampa Bay stars.

The forward group is highlighted by Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Connor McDavid, but finding their names in the mix were long-time Lightning captain Steven Stamkos and current superstar Nikita Kucherov. 

In his tenure with the Lightning, Stamkos recorded 555 goals and 1137 points in 1082 games, winning two Rocket Richard trophies, including a 60-goal campaign. Although Stamkos never won the Hart Trophy, he finished second in 2011-12 and added another two top-10 finishes. 

Kucherov remains the Lightning's offensive driver after blossoming into one of the most skilled players of all time. His 994 points are second in franchise history, and his 357 goals rank fourth, but he'll likely find his way to second on the list by the season's end.

Kucherov is a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner, a Hart Trophy winner and a two-time finalist. He also joined an exclusive club, recording 100 assists in the 2023-24 season. 

On the back-end, Victor Hedman headlines a star-studded defense. Hedman is a one-time Norris Trophy Winner and a five-time finalist. His 171 goals and 794 points rank seventh and third among points by a defenseman since 2000. 

Hedman is also a winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy after he notched 10 goals and 22 points when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2020.

The other Conn Smythe Trophy winner for the Lightning was Andre Vasilevskiy, and he was one of the two goaltenders selected to the team. He's been awarded the Vezina Trophy once and has been a finalist four times.