Bolts Best Player of the Month: Kevin Shattenkirk
In his first month with Tampa Bay, Shattenkirk led all Lightning defensemen with four goals
by Jacob Lynn / TampaBayLightning.com
One month into Kevin Shattenkirk's tenure with the Lightning, the decision to sign with Tampa Bay appears to be paying off.
After a down season last year with his hometown New York Rangers, Shattenkirk signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay in early August and the change of scenery has done the veteran defenseman a world of good.
Shattenkirk made an immediate impact with his new team, beginning the season with three goals and an assist in the Lightning's first four games. His go-ahead goal vs. Toronto on October 10 perfectly illustrated the offensive production Tampa Bay was hoping to get. Shattenkirk collected the puck at the offensive blue line and deked out Morgan Reilly before beating Frederik Andersen with a backhand finish.
Video: TBL@TOR: Shattenkirk dekes, nets sweet backhander
Shattenkirk's two multi-point games of October came against Colorado on the 19th and New Jersey on the 30th. Shattenkirk assisted on both of Tampa Bay's goals in a loss to the Avalanche and picked up a pair of helpers in a wild 7-6 overtime win over New Jersey to close out the month.
The four goals Shattenkirk has scored are the most of any Lightning defensemen. His nine points are also tied with Victor Hedman for the scoring lead among Tampa Bay's D-corps.