How this line dominates the NHL

On By Littum

At the start of the season, there was great uncertainty surrounding the Lightning. However, the Lightning’s new top line has made it its mission to provide Lightning fans with one thing: safety.

Since playing together, Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov have looked fantastic. In their last game against Colorado, the Lightning won in dominating 8-2 fashion. Kucherov finished with 3 points, Guenztel with 2 points and Point with 1 point according to the NHL. The way these three move together on the ice is truly extraordinary. Kucherov’s game, Guentzel’s speed, and finishing Brayden Point in the slot are a match made in heaven.

Jake Guentzel

Since joining the Lightning this season, Jake Guentzel has had a lot of pressure. For anyone in Guentzel’s position, being brought in as what fans have called “Stamkos’ replacement” must be extremely stressful. How do you even begin to replace a guy like Stamkos who had a long career in Tampa Bay? So far, Guentzel has worked to not replace Stamkos, but rather make his own history in Tampa Bay.

Through 20 games, Guentzel has exactly 20 points with the Lightning per nhl.com. Guentzel’s most surprising stat, however, is one that fans easily overlook. Fox Sports shows that Guentzel has a 61.1% faceoff winning percentage in 86 faceoffs taken. When in the offensive zone, Guentzel has been used more as a center rather than a left wing. While Brayden Point remains the primary center for the Bolts, coach Jon Cooper hasn’t been afraid to use Guentzel as a center.

What makes Guentzel unique in helping lift the Bolts offense is his quickness. It’s no secret that Guentzel is a top left wing option in the NHL. Since moving on from Pittsburgh and Carolina, Guentzel has held his own with some of the most elite players in the world. He has helped compliment players like Sidney Crosby, Evengi Malkin and Sebastian Aho. Now in Tampa, Guentzel has brought that same fire to his skates. With a fully healthy Brayden Point now back at the helm, Guentzel is ready to bring the heat.

Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, Evgeni Malkin

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals | Patrick Smith/GettyImages

Brayden Point

Brayden Point is a fan favorite among Lightning fans. As the lights begin to dim, Point steps up to the plate. He is a top 10 center in the National Hockey League, no debate. What makes him an elite player is not only his explosive speed, but also his presence in the slot.

Whether on the power play or 5-on-5, Point will always find a way to the slot in front of the net. This is where he is most deadly. His finishing on pristine passes gets goalkeepers going. Over the past three seasons, per QuantHockeyPoint is not only fourth in goals, but third in power play goals. When fans think of goal scorers, they think of Auston Matthews, Alex Ovechkin and David Pastrnak. No one ever thinks that Brayden Point has a deadly shot when in fact he ranks in the same category as these elite scorers.

This current season is no different. In 16 games this season, NHL.com has points like having scored 12 goals so far. Given his pace so far, Point is on pace to score around 61 goals this season. If Point continues to stay hot, he will break his previous career high of 51 goals per game NHL.com. But even more impressively, if Point can maintain his current pace, he’ll break Steven Stamkos’ all-time single-season record of 60 goals as set by Hockey reference. For fans who have watched Brayden Point grow as a person and player during his tenure with the Bolts, they know Point can do it.

Brayden Point

Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | Mike Carlson/GettyImages

Nikita Kucherov

Does Kucherov even need an introduction? Kucherov is one of, if not, the most dangerous players in the NHL. When Kucherov plays his best, as he usually does, other teams have to watch out. But what makes him a threat? His hockey IQ and ability to play.

As any Lightning fan can tell you, Kucherov runs the offense day in and day out. Kucherov’s vision on the ice allows him to be a dominant forward. When he’s not shooting at the keeper, he makes a killer pass to anyone who wants to.

Last season, Kucherov recorded a legendary stat line per NHL.com: 100 assists in a season. His game is out of this world, and with linemates like Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel, it would be foolish to say he couldn’t get 100 assists again.

Nikita Kucherov is the lifeblood of the Lightning offense. His elite resume speaks for itself. As the Lightning continue to develop throughout the season, Kucherov is a must watch in every game this season because he can score at will. Without Kucherov, the Lightning offense would effectively collapse.

Nikita Kucherov

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | Justin Berl/GettyImages

Pass, shoot, score

All these players are proven strikers. Each player brings a unique set of skills to the table. It is only together that these players can bring offensive value to the team. After all, there is no “I” in the team. Now that each player is fully healthy, look for the Lightning to outscore their opponents every single night.