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NHL Playoffs: 5 things we learned from Lightning beating Islanders

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck during the first period against the New York Islanders in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Nikita Kucherov and Jonathan Drouin are the future

So much of the talk surrounding Tampa Bay’s season has been about contract negotiations with star. Steven Stamkos. The 26-year-old center is set to become a free agent and may be able to get a bigger contract from another team this offseason.

That has led to plenty of worry about the Lightning’s future, as Stamkos has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL over the past few years. However, this postseason has proven it won’t be all doom and gloom in Tampa Bay should Stamkos leave, as the Lightning have been quite successful without him.

Perhaps the Lightning should be more focused on locking up Kucherov long-term after this postseason given his outstanding performance. Following an underrated 30-goal regular season, Kucherov leads the NHL with nine goals this postseason. The 22 year old’s impossibly quick release has filled the highlight reel and been very tough for teams to defend in the playoffs.

After recently returning from a six-week suspension for refusing to play for Tampa Bay’s AHL affiliate and demanding a trade, Drouin has also been impressive in the postseason. The 21-year-old has displayed incredible skill with the puck, tallying five points in both postseason series. Hopefully the great playoff campaign and winning has helped the two sides make up, as the Lightning need Drouin for the long-term.

With those two plus all the other talent on the roster, the Lightning are set for a long time, even if Stamkos leaves. Plenty of credit has to go to Steve Yzerman, who has constructed an incredibly deep roster that goes far beyond its superstar.

Next: 2. Tampa Bay can stand up to physical teams

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