Trade Deadline Acquisitions Coming Through

By: Mike Rifkin

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s quest for a third consecutive Stanley Cup continues as they defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 in Game Seven. Nick Paul who the Lightning acquired from the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline produced both Tampa goals. In the seven game series Paul had two assists to go with the two goals he scored in the decisive game. Paul also won 42.0 percent of faceoffs he took. Now the reason the series went to a game seven was because the Lightning won game six at home. The goal was scored by Brayden Point and it was set up by trade deadline acquisition Brandon Hagel. Hagel who was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks had a goal and three assists in the series. Both Paul and Hagel were a plus two in the series and had game winning goals in the series. Paul here in game seven and Hagel in game two.

At the 2020 trade deadline the Lightning made two trades acquiring Barclay Goodrow from the Sharks and Blake Coleman from the New Jersey Devils. Goodrow had three goals and nine points and Coleman had eight goals and 24 points for the Lightning during their back to back Cup victories. Coleman and Goodrow also gave the Lightning a great checking line with Yanni Gourde. 

Because of the salary cap the Lightning wound up losing Coleman and Goodrow during the offseason. The acquisitions of Paul and Hagel might play the same role as Coleman and Goodrow, and they will have to play a massive role in the second round as the Lightning take on their in state rival and President Trophy Winning Florida Panthers.