Before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forward Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken. With the Lightning needing a boost in their middle six, it undoubtedly made sense that they brought in the 29-year-old.
Leading up to the trade, Bjorkstrand was having another solid season with the Kraken, posting 16 goals and 37 points in 61 games. With this, the expectation was that Bjorkstrand would give the Lightning more secondary offensive production.
Bjorkstrand's start with the Lightning was a bit quiet, as he had just one goal and a minus-1 rating in his first seven games. However, now that he is more adjusted to his new team, the 2013 third-round pick is undoubtedly heating up.
In his last four games, Bjorkstrand has recorded three goals, one assist, and a plus-5 rating. He also has five points in his previous six contests, so he has undoubtedly made an offensive impact as the Lightning look to catch the first-place Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division standings.
With this ongoing hot streak, Bjorkstrand now has four goals, six points, and a plus-3 rating in 13 games since joining the Bolts. In addition, he has 20 goals and 43 points in 74 games this season, split between Seattle and Tampa Bay. With this, Bjorkstrand has hit the 20-goal mark for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. That's impressive consistency from the 6-foot forward.
Lightning Face Senators In Divisional Game
Tampa Bay Lightning center Jake Guentzel (59) is congratulated after he scored a goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at Amalie Arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning are on a four-game winning streak and face the Ottawa Senators on Thursday at 7 p.m. (ESPN+, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF) on the road. In the contrary, the Senators (39-29) are on a two-game losing streak and are looking to use home ice advantage to get back into the winning column.
First time out
The Lightning fell to the Senators 5-4 in their first match this year. The Lightning were down 2-0 after the first period.
With an attempt to a comeback, the Lightning (44-25) tied the game 2-2 halfway through the second period. Toward the end of the game, the Senators managed to stay ahead and edge out the Lightning to get the win at home.
What’s at stake
After losing the first one, the Lightning won the next two games of the season series. Tonight’s meeting will decide if the Lightning take the series or if the Senators even it out.
As the NHL regular season is coming to an end, the Lightning are looking to gain momentum in their divisional race and gain first place.
