The Bolts were led by Vladislav Namestnikov on Saturday when he recorded a four-point night with a hat trick and one assist. Corey Perry got in on the action with a three-point night of his own, recording an assist on each of Namestnikov’s goals, while Nikita Kucherov (1G, 1A) and Brayden Point (1G, 1A) both enjoyed multi-point games as well.
Andrei Vasilevskiy got the start in goal for Tampa Bay and turned away 27-of-29 shots in the Lightning’s first and only win of the preseason.
“If we didn’t win a game, that would’ve been a little humbling,” said Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper. “We took one tonight, but it’s over. None of them count.
“We’re just happy that we didn’t lose anybody for opening night. We should be healthy going in and that’s what you really want.”
Video: Vladislav Namestnikov Postgame vs Florida Panthers
After Logan Hutsko took an early hooking penalty that sent the Lightning to the power play just 2:04 into the game, Tampa Bay got an early lead with Kucherov lighting the lamp from his usual spot at the right circle.
With Steven Stamkos Sitting out of Saturday’s contest, it was Namestnikov who took his spot on the power play and collected a secondary assist on Kucherov’s goal. Taking a cross-zone pass from Kucherov, Namestnikov looked like he was set to shoot before sending a nifty backhand pass over to Victor Hedmanwho then fed Kucherov for a quick one-timer that beat Spencer Knight before he could get across his crease to make the save.
“Some of our big guys were really making plays tonight,” Cooper said following the win. “That’s what you want. I think everyone starts feeling good about themselves and when you win the game too, that helps.”
After Florida was able to tie the game on a rebound chance just 1:24 after Kucherov’s goal, the Bolts didn’t blink.
Mikhail Sergachev missed Saturday’s game, which allowed Haydn Fleury to be inserted into the lineup. The free-agent signing took advantage of his opportunity with a strong showing on both ends of the ice. His first big play came on the Lightning’s second goal of the game when he took a pass from Perry at the left point and showcased great vision by wiring a pass to Namestnikov, who was waiting on the back door to get a quick shot off and beat. Knight over the glove.
From there, Tampa Bay would lead the rest of the way.
With the Bolts earning a 5-on-3 opportunity late in the first period, it was Namestnikov giving his team the lead with his fourth goal of the preseason and second of the game. As Point lured the Florida defenders toward the center of the slot, he quickly fed a pass to Perry on the back post, who then one-touched the puck over to Namestnikov on the opposite post for an easy tap-in to give Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
“He’s a smart player,” said Perry when asked about Namestnikov. “You can see that he can play anywhere in the lineup. He’s been up with Kuch. He’s been down with us.
“It doesn’t matter where you put him. He has good vision and he can score goals.”
Namestnikov completed his natural hat trick in the second period with another goal on the back door Ross Colton and Perry collected the assists. Winning the puck to the right of Knight, Perry made an excellent play to spin and send a pass to Colton, who, for the second time this preseason, showed patience in tight and sent a sneaky little pass to Namestnikov for a quick one-timer. and his fifth goal of the preseason.
“It gives you confidence, but you can’t get too high or too low,” said Namestnikov. “It’s a different game in the regular season, but it’s definitely nice to put some goals in the net and hopefully take it into the season.
“It was fun. The atmosphere was great. The fans were great today. It was nice to get that win.”
Following another answer from Florida 1:15 after Namestnikov’s third goal, the Bolts would go on to add the fifth and final goal of the game with Point scoring 4:56 into the final period.
When Vasilevskiy gloved a Panthers slap shot, he quickly made a heads-up play and advanced the puck to Pat Maroon, who kept it moving with a dish up to Kucherov. Entering the Florida zone, Kucherov showcased his soft hands with a nice move before dropping a pass to Cal Foote. Looking to take another step in his game this season, Foote showed fantastic patience as he moved down into the slot. With nearly everyone on the ice thinking a shot on goal was coming, Foote alertly sent a hard pass right to the far post for Point, who was parked at the back door for an easy tap-in past Knight.
“Pushing the pace is something that we try to do,” said Point. “Our team speed is one of our strengths and [it] was just a good read by him (Vasilevskiy). We’ve seen it last year. He’s getting more comfortable making plays with the puck and he’s looking to go.
“Good read by him and Footer and then a great play by Footer on the pass.”
Cooper was impressed by the heads-up play of Vasilevskiy as well and made note of the goaltender’s experience paying dividends as time rolls on.
“It’s crazy to think Vasy’s obviously a veteran in this league now at that young age,” Cooper said. “It’s just game awareness and experience, all those things that go into it.
“He recognized the situation, that we could break the puck out. We wanted to play a little fast and that’s what we did and it worked out for us.”
Video: Jon Cooper | Postgame vs Florida Panthers
With the regular season around the corner, some of the new faces on the back end for Tampa Bay are looking more and more comfortable with each passing day. Philippe Myers made some great plays with his stick and showcased his physicality throughout the night. Fleury won battles along the wall, used his strength to box players out in front of the net and looked comfortable walking along the offensive blue line. Cole’s veteran presence was felt with good decision-making, physicality and steadiness in his defending.
“Everybody is coming along,” said Cooper. “We’re in the preseason. It’s early. It’s not that they’re learning how to play hockey. They’re just learning how to play for the Lightning. It takes time.
“They’re playing with a bunch of energy and excitement. It’s still a little jumbly out there, I guess, but with each game, we’ve gotten better. Tonight was another step forward. We’re a ways away, but all those new guys are getting better.”
With Nick Perbix and PC Labrie being sent to Syracuse, it looks like Tampa Bay has their group ready to roll for opening night.
“We like this group that we have here right now,” Cooper said. “When we hit the road, this should be the group.”
The preseason is officially over for the Lightning. Next up, Madison Square Garden and a rematch of the Eastern Conference Final vs. the New York Rangers. The regular season kicks off on Tuesday, October 11 with a 7:30 pm ET puck drop.
Namestnikov, who led the Bolts with five goals and six points this preseason, kept it short and sweet when asked if the group is prepared for the regular season to begin.
“We’re ready.”
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