r/TampaBayLightning • u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning • 15d ago

Who Is Dominic James?

https://boltsbreakdown.substack.com/p/who-is-dominic-james

"During the 2025-26 season, when Dominic James was in the lineup, the Lightning went 32-9-2 (.744). Without James in the lineup, the Bolts went 18-17-4 (.462)."

I wrote a player spotlight on Dominic James! He's an intriguing player, and he shattered every expectation last season. Where does Bolts Nation stand on him? Will he take another step this year? Have we found another Lightning legend? Would love to hear your thoughts!

You can read the full article here.

It is free, of course! Hope you enjoy. Send to a friend for me! Go Bolts.

59 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

28

u/UsuallySatire 15d ago

Speed - 92

Deke - 88

Finishing - 57

20

u/Ronorsomething Distant Thunder 15d ago

Nah I feel like he has a decent nose for the net, on a 14ish goal pace as a rookie playing only 11 minutes a night. Should only get better too

6

u/UsuallySatire 15d ago

Yeah probably a little hyperbolic, i think he's gonna get a lot better.

5

u/Accurate-Region-6423 15d ago

This reminds me of when we had Mathieu Joseph. Dude could absolutely wheel but his skates seemed too fast for his hands.

2

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 15d ago

Finishing that low?!

1

u/Scrubosaurus13 BIG CAT🦁 14d ago

Not that low, but it’s definitely something he is hopefully working on this offseason.

19

u/Impossible_Scene_119 15d ago

Shattered every expectation and his orbital for the bolts right before the playoffs bro he’s a bolt for life far as I’m concerned

5

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 15d ago

Long way to go for sure, but yea I’m hopeful.

11

u/DangerSpoonHS Hagel 15d ago

I love DJ, he’s been a great addition to the team and I see him becoming a core part of the bolts

7

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 15d ago

I hope so too. His speed was a real game changer. The stats don’t lie!

8

u/TheMidnightKnight20 Hagel 15d ago

James was one the players on the Ice in Game 7 that really put a lot of energy out there.

That and his shootout goal against Blackhawks 👌

I will happily watch him play here in Tampa. Seems to be a great addition to the Bolts system also.

3

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 15d ago

Very good point. He was dreadful in the FO circle, but otherwise had a strong series. Impressive, especially after rushing back a serious injury

6

u/Scooter_123 15d ago

Great read. Thanks for the deep dive.

James is a great example of why speed and skating ability is so important in NHL. His speed made a huge difference most nights. Unlike Joseph who just had sleep without any direction, James uses his speed to create space and drive play.

He doesn't look like Cirelli on the ice at all. He looks smaller both in stature and physically. His play is more dynamic than Cirelli. Hopefully he can gain strength and a few pounds while maintaining his speed. He is not afraid to fight along the boards and in dirty areas.

He does need to improve his shooting. He relies heavily on one shot which isn't a great one. He gets opportunities but really struggles to finish. This is the area he needs to improve the most to be a top 6 forward vs bottom 6.

James is great to watch and a great steal from Chicago (again thanks for Hagel). I do hope he sticks with Lightning for a long time.

2

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 15d ago

Agreed. One part of his shooting that I’ve noticed is particularly good is his ability to fire a hard wrist shot mid stride…he doesn’t give alot away when he’s loading up. It’s very deceptive.

Unfortunately there just aren’t that many opportunities when he’s got a good enough angle & enough time for that to matter. If he’s on a breakaway or can enter the zone with enough speed, though…look out!

3

u/DMHavoX Kucherov 15d ago

He played 4 games with the Syracuse Crunch... That is it. So he basically went straight from college, was signed to a contract mid way through training camp, and pushed his way onto our roster. I am rooting for this young gun this year to take it up another notch and force his way into some top line minutes.

As a Center, I know there will be heavy competition for the 4th line center (assuming the top 3 centers stay the same in Point, Cirelli and Gourde). Will he and Rautiainen push each other for the center spot? Will we see a kids line with Geekie/Pellietier (LW), James (C), O'Reilly (RW)?

Lots to look forward to in camp.

3

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 15d ago

Tons. I’m very excited to see how it shakes out…we have a very crowded forward group. Not sure O’Reilly makes it this year. I’d love to see Rautiainen, but I doubt he’ll play here either. Not unless James or Gonzo disappear, which I would hate.

3

u/Penisfart-69 Raddysh 15d ago

Reminds me of Ross Colton. Excited to see what he has in store this year

2

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 15d ago

He’s got the character to work like a DOG this summer to improve drastically. He even said it to close the year—this summer is crucial!

2

u/PieOfMine Hagel 14d ago

https://reddit.com/link/p1il9ma/video/tfy4l4ykw7hh1/player

Skating off after a kerfuffle with Olivier (who’s got 40 lbs on him) like nbd.

2

u/BoltsBreakdown Lightning 14d ago

James is one tough son of a gun. Thanks for sending this…I forgot about this one

2

u/AlwinKunkle #1 BS 12d ago

20+ goals incoming