Just ahead of puck drop on Saturday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning had to make some last-minute lineup adjustments, announcing that forward Jack Finley and defenseman Max Crozier would miss the matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets due to illness.
For Finley, it’s a tough break. The 6-foot-6 winger has carved out a niche on Tampa Bay’s fourth line, skating alongside Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nick Paul in recent outings.
His physical presence and reach have been key assets in that role - the kind of traits that don’t show up on the scoresheet but are felt in the corners and along the boards. Through 18 games this season, Finley has chipped in modestly with two goals and an assist, but his impact goes beyond the box score.
Replacing that kind of size and grit isn’t easy, and the Lightning will turn to Jakob Pelletier to fill the void.
Pelletier, who’s been lighting it up with the Syracuse Crunch, now gets a shot to show what he can do at the NHL level. At 5-foot-11, he brings a different skill set - more speed and finesse than brute force - but he’s been the Crunch’s top scorer for a reason. Expect Tampa to lean into his offensive instincts and see if he can inject some spark into the bottom six.
On the blue line, Crozier’s absence opens the door for another fresh face. The rookie defenseman has quietly been putting together a solid campaign, logging 31 games so far and contributing a goal and nine assists.
He’s been part of a third pairing with Declan Carlile, helping stabilize a defense corps that’s been hit hard by injuries all season. His steady presence and puck-moving ability have made him a reliable piece in a rotation that’s been anything but predictable.
Stepping into Crozier’s spot is Simon Lundmark, who’s set to make his NHL debut. It’s a big moment for the young defenseman, and it comes in a situation where the Lightning need him to be ready right away. With the team already stretched thin on the back end, Lundmark won’t just be dipping a toe in - he’ll be thrown right into the mix.
This isn’t the first time Tampa has had to get creative with its lineup, and it likely won’t be the last. But with a deep prospect pool and a next-man-up mentality, the Lightning are banking on their organizational depth to keep them steady while they ride out yet another wave of adversity.