D’Astous and James Unite in NHL Breakthrough for Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning players D’Astous and James are making a significant impact in their inaugural NHL season. Both players are not only teammates but also live just two doors apart in Tampa, enhancing their camaraderie on and off the ice.

D’Astous and James: A Unique Bond in Tampa

Their friendship began at Lightning training camp this fall. Before that, they had never met. D’Astous previously played in Europe, while James honed his skills in collegiate hockey. They shared a mutual desire to play together in Tampa after being called up from Syracuse.

Personal Support on the Ice

D’Astous expressed gratitude for having James nearby. “We’re both in the same situation, first season in the NHL. It’s nice to have someone to lean on,” he mentioned. This supportive relationship is particularly valuable as they navigate their rookie season together.

Encouragement and Expectations

• D’Astous recently celebrated his first NHL goal.
• James is anticipated to score his first goal soon, having already contributed significantly to team play.

James has shown promise with his exceptional skating ability, creating offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. D’Astous noted, “He’s such a good skater, and he creates so much space.” There’s optimism surrounding James’s eventual scoring breakthrough.

The Joy of Shared Success

When James does score his first NHL goal, D’Astous expects to share in the celebration. “I’m gonna have the same reaction that he did,” he said. For both players, their journeys are intertwined, marking a memorable season in the NHL.

The bond between D’Astous and James exemplifies the importance of support and friendship in professional sports. As the Tampa Bay Lightning continues their season, their growing partnership will likely play a key role in their success on the ice.