3 Bold Tampa Bay Lightning Predictions for 2024-25 – Hockey Writers – Tampa Bay Lightning

With puck drop approaching for the 2024-25 NHL season, there's no better time to make some bold predictions. As rosters and lineups build for the season, we can understand how things might go. While a select few of these predictions will look smart in months, almost all of them will not come close to being fulfilled. However, looking back at some bold predictions before the start of the season is always fun for fans. Here are my three bold predictions for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2024-25.

Jake Guentzel Wins Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy

For the second time this year, Jake Guentzel will get a change of scenery after seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Guentzel continued to produce at a high level away from Sidney Crosby, proving to the hockey world that he is a proven player for the program. In other words, Guentzel can thrive in any environment, regardless of the conditions. He doesn't need a specific partner or program to be at the top of his game. However, what if head coach Jon Cooper gave him one of the best passers in the game (Nikita Kucherov) and minutes on the top power play in the National Hockey League last season?

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With Steven Stamkos out of the picture for the 2024-25 season, Guentzel will fill his spot in Tampa Bay's top six and power play unit. Stamkos scored 19 goals last season, while Guentzel scored a career-best 13 goals. . The possibilities are endless, but the Daily Faceoff has one in the left circle. If Stamkos can post impressive scoring numbers with Cooper's investment, we think Guentzel can do the same.

In addition, Guentzel has outscored Stamkos by 13 goals at 5-on-5 over the past five seasons. Guentzel scored a career-high 40 goals with the Penguins in 2021-22, which ranked 16th among scorers in an entire season. BetMGM has given him a 14th chance to capture the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer during the regular season. Will Guentzel be able to pass Auston Matthews on the top of the list next season? Only time will tell.

JJ Moser Becomes Victor Hedman's Permanent Defense Partner

In a move to clear salary cap space, the Lightning sent Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club for several valuable assets. One of those assets was a 24-year-old, NHL-ready defenseman named JJ Moser. Although he is shown in a low pairing with Nick Perbix, Moser is a dark horse player to fill the Lightning's starting role. His exposure to elite competition at a young age makes him an ideal defense partner for Victor Hedman.

In recent years, Hedman has declined with age, and that effect affects many players. An age curve exists for hockey players, with most peaking in their mid-20s and beginning to decline in their early 30s. Over the years, Hedman has sacrificed the defensive side of the game, which allows him to post stellar offensive numbers every season. Microstats tracked by Corey Sznjader from All Three Zones show that Moser is a run-blocking defender, making him a good fit for the veteran blueliner.

Moser's style of play will allow Hedman to continue to be vulnerable offensively. The trade-off consists of the Lightning giving up a few point changes in exchange for one more dangerous one. Adding Moser to the picture will allow the Lightning to move away from a “run and gun” style and post consistent bottom line metrics at 5-on-5. There's no denying that Moser has talent, and we predict he'll be a great young man by the end of the season.

Lightning Finish Top 2 in Atlantic Division

The accuracy of the previous two predictions determines whether this bold third prediction comes true. The Atlantic Division will likely shake out in the same way it did last season, with the best teams going down a bit. As for the Lightning, the team remained the same with Stamkos for the Guentzel swap. The teams that finished under the Lightning last season, the Detroit Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators, made little progress.

The success of lightning depends on how the top line clicks. If these three end up being the best line in the league, the team will finish near the top of the Atlantic Division. However, if the top line flows, we could see the Lightning fighting for a Wildcard spot like last season. We expect the top three to dominate play, as Guentzel can create offense in any situation, which leads us to this third bold prediction of the season.

What are your bold predictions for the 2024-25 Lightning season?