Top Prospects Shine for Tampa Bay Lightning: Pelletier, Duke & More
The Tampa Bay Lightning are experiencing a resurgence, winning four consecutive games and currently holding a record of 5-4-2. This positive momentum was highlighted by a recent 2-1 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars. As the Lightning aim for a higher position in the Atlantic Division, their AHL team, the Syracuse Crunch, is thriving, while the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears are struggling.
Syracuse Crunch Performance
The Crunch lead the North Division with an impressive record of 6-1-0-0. In contrast, the Solar Bears are facing challenges, holding a disappointing record of 1-4-0-0. They have allowed twice as many goals (20) as they’ve scored.
Top Prospects Shine for Tampa Bay Lightning
Several standout players in the minors show promise for the Lightning’s roster. Notable prospects include Jakob Pelletier and Dylan Duke, both of whom are making significant strides this season.
Jakob Pelletier: A Promising Forward
- Age: 24
- Drafted: 2019, first round
- Previous Teams: Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers
- Current Performance: 4 goals, 5 assists in 7 games with Syracuse Crunch
- Notable Achievement: Led the Crunch in points and goals
Peltier, who previously played for the Flames, has adjusted well since joining the Crunch. His performance includes a standout game against the Hershey Bears, where he scored two goals and recorded one assist. Should this momentum continue, he could soon be recalled to the Lightning.
Dylan Duke: Emerging Talent
- Age: 22
- Drafted: 121st overall
- Previous Team: University of Michigan
- Current Performance: 1 goal, 6 assists in 7 games with Syracuse Crunch
- Goal Record: 26 goals in 2023-24 for Michigan Wolverines
Duke is demonstrating significant improvement, already contributing to the Crunch with seven points in seven games. Last season, he completed his rookie year with a total of 40 points. This season shows promise for greater development into an NHL-caliber player.
Spencer Kersten: ECHL Standout
- Previous Teams: Princeton University, Bowling Green University
- Current Performance: 3 goals, 3 assists in 5 games with Orlando Solar Bears
- Notable Achievement: ECHL All-Rookie team last season with 55 points
Although the Solar Bears are struggling, Spencer Kersten is a beacon of hope. With an impressive start to the season, his current scoring pace suggests he could achieve significant statistics, potentially leading to a recall to the AHL.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospects are showcasing immense potential in both the AHL and ECHL. The successful performances of players like Jakob Pelletier, Dylan Duke, and Spencer Kersten could contribute significantly to the Lightning’s future success as they aim for stability and growth in the NHL.
