Lightning Strike History: Three Players Log Career Firsts vs. Rangers
The early part of the season hasn’t been kind to either the Tampa Bay Lightning or New York Rangers. Both teams stumbled badly out of the gate, sparking questions about their direction and identity. For New York especially, the struggles were historic.
The Rangers became the first team in NHL history to be shut out in their first three home games, then went winless through their opening seven (0-6-1). They’ve since added two more home shutouts and continue to sit near the bottom in nearly every offensive category (aside from winning faceoffs), including shooting percentage, power play success, and total goals.
The Lightning weren’t much better than the Rangers to start the season. After losing six of their first seven, Tampa Bay looked slow and scattered — a complete 180 from the powerhouse that dominated the league for much of the last decade.
But lately, something has shifted. Heading into this matchup, the Bolts had won seven of their last eight games, with the only loss coming against the league leading Colorado Avalanche. Even in a lopsided 7-3 loss to the Rangers on Thursday, there were signs of progress, particularly from some unexpected names.
A Whole Lot of Firsts For Tampa Bay
In what might have been the most exciting period of hockey so far this season, after falling behind 2-0 early in the first, the Lightning got a much-needed spark from a veteran making his season debut. Scott Sabourin, called up from AHL Syracuse just one day earlier, ripped a wrist shot past Igor Shesterkin’s glove from the left circle at 6:04 — his first goal as a member of the Lightning and first in the NHL since February 2020 (video below).
It wasn’t just Sabourin’s night, though. Two of Tampa Bay’s young forwards also logged career milestones, as Curtis Douglas (a 2018 fourth-round pick by Dallas) and Jack Finley (Tampa’s 2020 second-rounder) each earned their first NHL point with assists on the play. Four more goals were scored in the first period which ended 4-3 Rangers.
It wasn’t just Sabourin’s night, though. Two of Tampa Bay’s young forwards also logged career milestones, as Curtis Douglas (a 2018 fourth-round pick by Dallas) and Jack Finley (Tampa’s 2020 second-rounder) each earned their first NHL point with assists on the play. Four more goals were scored in the first period which ended 4-3 Rangers.
For a team that’s battled a wave of injuries — missing Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, Anthony Cirelli, Pontus Holmberg, Dominic James and Nick Paul — the effort from its depth players was a welcome sight. Brandon Hagel’s early exit after a hit from Carson Soucy only added to the list, but Tampa’s young call-ups responded with energy and purpose.
Even in Defeat, a Glimmer of Progress For the Lightning
Andrei Vasilevskiy, usually the calmest presence on the ice, had an uncharacteristic night. After tripping and allowing a soft goal late in the second period, he was swapped out for the backup goalie, Jonas Johansson — a rare sight given his well-known dislike for leaving games early. The reigning standard for goaltending excellence, Vasilevskiy often insists on staying in net to learn more about his opponents, but this just wasn't his night.
Still, even in defeat, Tampa Bay found something to build on. Three new players earned their first points with the team/in the NHL, injecting fresh life into a roster still trying to find consistency. For a team built on veteran leadership and championship experience, the contributions from newcomers served as a quiet reminder — there’s still plenty of depth in the Lightning’s storm.
Luther Burden III will have his breakout game against Minnesota
A few weeks ago, I called my shot and said that Kyle Monangai would have his breakout game against the Bengals
I've seen more than enough from Olamide Zaccheaus. At the same time, on a
Burden hasn't had a ton of opportunities to shine this season. He's received only 18 targets in a crowded receiver room. However, there's no denying that he's made the most of them, catching 16 passes for 222 yards thus far. The numbers become even more impressive when broken down further.
Caleb Williams has a 136.6 passer rating when throwing Burden's way. That is ridiculous. Do you know what else is ridiculous? The 21-year-old has caught all 16 of the catchable passes thrown his way. He's also
Burden's numbers obviously jump off the screen, but he's arguably been even more impressive when it comes to the eye test. He's made plays whenever he's been on the field, and even shows up when the ball isn't in his hands. He's clearly bought into the "no block, no rock" mindset.
The Bears landed a steal in the second-round selection. I can't wait for them to unleash him to his full potential. Ben Johnson recently hinted at the potential of showcasing the University of Missouri product more.
“It's the trust level between the quarterback and a receiver," said Johnson. "He’s been very productive when we’ve been able to get the ball in his hands, and there’s a strong argument that we should get it to him more.”
We saw him play a season-high 49% of the snaps last week against New York. That felt like a ramp-up game. It also seemed significant that he was the only player who caught a pass on the team's game-winning drive (Williams only attempted one pass, but the fact remains).
He has yet to have a game with more snaps played than Zachheaus this season, but I think a changing of the guard is coming in that regard. He's undeniably the better player, and the Bears have their most difficult stretch of the season coming up. They need to get their best players on the field and playing as much as possible.
Burden's breakout game is right around the corner. In fact, I think it'll be this Sunday. I think he'll be a major factor against Minnesota.
