By Michael Wax
The Lightning have started their 2023 season with a 5-2 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first game of the preseason. Here are three things we noticed from the loss:
ABB
Forward Alex Barré-Boulet is not only fighting for a spot on the Lightning this year, he's fighting for his NHL opportunity. The 26-year-old is in the final year of his three-year extension, and will be a UFA at the end of the year. With a tough time sticking around, the concern was real when Barré-Boulet was listed on the first preseason roster with many other AHLers. ABB went on to make a solid first impression, being one of the more noticeable players on the ice and snapping a wrist shot home for a power-play goal to open up the scoring.
Frustration
Forward Gage Goncalves had, to many extents, a poor first showing. After making significant strides in his AHL scoring, the former second round pick is looking to take an even bigger jump this year and maybe have a cup of coffee in the big leagues.
This performance didn't help. Early in the game, Goncalves had the puck in the neutral zone with a potential 3-on-1 developing. He wasn't able to get a shot away, and would end up taking a penalty a few minutes later. Just after the game-opening goal from Barré-Boulet, Goncalves would turn over the puck in his own zone and Carolina would capitalize to tie the game at one. If Goncalves wants a spot on the Lightning roster, he'll need better showing going forward.
New Guy
Conor Sheary was easily the player with the most eyes on him. Coming over from the Washington Capitals, he signed a multi-year deal and is known as someone who can really provide everything.
While his game didn't pop off the screen, he did have a nice little power play goal in the third period, ,deflecting home a Darren Raddysh slapshot to bring the Bolts back within two. With net-front presence Alex Killorn signing with the Ducks, Sheary taking that role on the power play would be a big step in the right direction.
Three Stars
Media’s three stars
1. DeAngelo (CAR) - 1 Goal, 1 Assist
2. Gunier (CAR) - 1 Goal
3. Halbgewachs (CAR) - 1 Goal
Our three stars
1. Gunier (CAR) - 1 Goal
2. DeAngelo (CAR) - 1 Goal, 1 Assist
3. Sheary (TBL) - 1 Goal
The next preseason game will be Wednesday, Sep. 27, at 8:00 p.m.
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