Who must step up for the Tampa Bay Lightning?

The Tampa Bay Lightning find themselves on the brink in their first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. With Montreal holding a 3-2 lead after a tight 3-2 victory in Game 5, Tampa Bay must win the next two games to advance.[1][2] This comes amid discussions on The Wraparound podcast, where hosts Emma Lingan, Michael Augello, and Frank Zawrazky zeroed in on who needs to elevate their game the most for the Bolts.[3]

Injuries have tested Tampa Bay’s depth, particularly with captain Victor Hedman sidelined by an elbow issue. Yet, the Lightning’s “next-man-up” mentality has kept them competitive in this even series, tied 11-11 in goals through five games.[4] As Game 6 looms in Montreal, key players across the roster face critical pressure.

Defense rises to the challenge without Hedman

Victor Hedman’s absence has been a major blow, but Tampa Bay’s blue line has shown resilience. Darren Raddysh has shouldered heavy minutes, scoring in Game 1 and setting a franchise record with 22 regular-season goals from the back end.[5]

J.J. Moser has been equally vital, delivering an overtime goal that tied the series earlier, as detailed in Moser’s overtime goal ties Lightning-Canadiens playoff series. His defensive metrics stand out, with strong shutdown play alongside Ryan McDonagh.

The group effort echoes Lightning coach Jon Cooper’s postgame comments after a loss: players like Max Crozier sparked rallies with big hits, such as his thunderous check on Juraj Slafkovsky that fueled a comeback attempt.Max Crozier’s thunderous hit on Slafkovsky sparks Lightning rally

Defenseman Declan Carlile noted, “I think everyone’s stepped up so far this year… it’s been a group effort.” This depth will be crucial in Montreal’s raucous Bell Centre.

Expect Raddysh and Moser to log top-pair minutes again, logging heavy ice time to neutralize Montreal’s top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Slafkovsky.

Forwards beyond the stars: Hagel and Guentzel lead the charge

While Nikita Kucherov leads with playoff prowess, secondary scoring has kept Tampa alive. Brandon Hagel has emerged as a key contributor, building on his career-high 33 goals in the regular season.

Jake Guentzel, acquired midseason, adds sniper quality with 32 goals and playoff experience. Their line has generated chances against Montreal’s young defense, including Lane Hutson.

Depth players like Anthony Cirelli provide shutdown energy, while Corey Perry’s return via trade bolsters grit. Perry scored in recent games, showing veteran poise.

In a series full of overtime thrillers, these forwards must convert on power plays, where Tampa has struggled without Hedman’s quarterbacking.

Veteran core under the microscope: Kucherov, Point, and Vasilevskiy

The big three—Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Andrei Vasilevskiy—carry the heaviest burden. Kucherov, ranked No. 2 among playoff players, has 130 regular-season points but needs more in clutch moments.[6]

Point admitted after Game 5, “Yeah, we need other guys to score, and I haven’t been able to do it… we’re going to need myself and other guys to step up for sure.”[7]

Vasilevskiy, a playoff legend, faces pressure with Montreal’s shooters like Slafkovsky, who notched a hat trick in Game 1. His .912 save percentage must climb.

Time is running out for Lightning’s veteran core to ‘show up’ highlights the urgency, as early-round exits loom large for this group.

Special teams and coaching adjustments

Power play and penalty kill have decided games, with questionable calls plaguing both sides. Cooper blasted “stupidity” penalties after Game 1’s OT loss.

Tampa’s PK has held firm, but the PP needs Raddysh’s one-timer to click. Adjustments like matching Gourde’s line against Suzuki could pay off.

Youth like Emil Lilleberg adds speed, filling gaps from injuries.

These tweaks, per Lightning coach blasts ‘stupidity’ penalties in game 1 overtime loss to Canadiens, underscore discipline’s role.

Goaltending battle: Vasilevskiy vs. Dobes

Andrei Vasilevskiy remains elite, but Montreal’s Jakub Dobes has an .883 save percentage in a tied series.[4] Vasilevskiy must stonewall Hutson’s rockets and Slafkovsky’s wristers.

Game 5’s empty-net denial showed Montreal’s resolve, but Vasilevskiy’s rebound control can tilt momentum.

Lightning employing ‘next-man-up mentality’ without Hedman ties into overall buy-in, including net.[5]

The Bolts’ depth has extended this series, but stars must shine brighter.

As Tampa Bay heads to Montreal for Game 6 on Friday, the focus sharpens on collective elevation. A deep run hinges on defense holding, forwards chipping in, and veterans delivering. With history on their side—two Cups in the last decade—the Lightning have the pieces; now execution decides if they advance or face an early exit. Fans await who truly steps up.[8]