It is becoming more and more obvious the depth that the Tampa Bay Lightning has at the forward positions. As far as the ability to roll out four lines and be a threat in the offensive zone with each one of them, Tampa may be unrivaled in the Eastern Conference
Whenever you have the third overall pick from a year ago who has been described as having generational puck handling abilities is struggling to crack the lineup – you know have plenty of options up front.
Alex Killorn: Speed and Net Prowess Leads to Hot Streak
Alex Killorn is becoming another example of a player taking it upon himself to lighten the load on the team’s top players. Currently on a seven game point streak (5 G, 3 A), Killorn has been rewarded with the chance to play with captain Steven Stamkos.
Producing by doing the time proven combination of speed and going to the net, Killorn has certainly earned the opportunity and has looked perfectly capable of topping his goal total from a year ago (17), with seven already this year.
Having scored in five out of six games, a look at how Killorn hasn’t varied much in his game plan as to putting the puck into the net
Goal vs New York Rangers
Generally on a 3-on-2 the player in the middle generally drives to the net to open up a pass from wing to wing (center drive), but after giving the puck to Tyler Johnson, Killorn backed off and found an open seem in the slot and waited to get the puck back before scoring. The speed of Johnson forced the defender to push back and open up the ice for Killorn.
Goal vs New York Islanders
After Jaroslav Halak was not able to corral a Jason Garrison point shot, the rebound bouncing to Killorn who was able to score on the second effort.
Goal vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Killorn showed his speed and versatility scoring his first career shorthanded goal. Getting the puck in the neutral zone, Killorn drove wide and let off a wrist shot from the right circle using the Leaf defender as a screen.
Goal vs Minnesota Wild
Showing some more net prowess and hand eye coordination, Killorn tipped an Anton Stralman point shot. The goal would go on to be the game winner on the night.
Goal vs Ottawa Senators
Another deflection goal, the Harvard alum reached behind him as well as Senators defender Erik Karlsson to get to the puck and redirect another Stralman shot from the point. This goal also served as the game winner.
Playing with one of the best players in the world certainly doesn’t hurt, but with his speed and willingness to go to the net and make things happen there, Killorn has shown the ability to succeed no matter who he is playing with.
