TAMPA, Fla. — Everyone remembers how last season ended: an overtime loss to the Canadiens and a fourth consecutive first-round exit.
Now the countdown to a new season begins. Media day signals a fresh start, a new beginning, even if the memory of how it ended still lingers.
“It’s been the theme for our group and myself the last couple of years; it definitely tests you mentally, how you’ve got to start from scratch,” said Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh at the team’s media day Wednesday.
A fresh start is exactly what Bolts captain Victor Hedman is excited about after missing 49 games last year, including the final 22 and all seven playoff games due to a personal leave of absence.
“Super excited. Excited to start a new season and put the other ones behind us and, yeah, just excited to get out there on the ice tomorrow with the guys and get to work,” said the Lightning captain.
One of the new guys joining Hedman is veteran defenseman John Carlson, who signed a two-year deal with the team in July. At 36 years old, he is still considered one of the best offensive defensemen in the league.
On the ice, a new collective bargaining agreement will bring a shorter training camp and two fewer preseason games, making ice time more valuable than ever for players fighting for a roster spot.
“There isn’t a lot of opportunity to get guys seen, so they’re going to have to make the most out of every rep in practice and every shift they do get in games in order to make a good impression,” said Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois.
For years, the Lightning have begun the season with one of the best rosters in the league, but after four straight early exits, it’s a reminder that games are not won on paper and talk is cheap.
For the Lightning, this season is about more than a fresh start. They feel they have plenty to prove.