5 Stats That Are a Reason for Optimism for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014-15

The Tampa Bay Lightning were expected to be near the top of the Eastern Conference standings this season, and they have not disappointed in the early part of 2014-15. The Lightning have won five of their last six games and are putting together numbers that should make Lightning fans very optimistic.

Tampa Bay is 8-3-1 through 12 games (17 points), including a 5-1-1 record at Amalie Arena. Only Ottawa has a better home record (3-0-2) among Atlantic Division teams.

The Lightning's offense has been clicking in recent games with 15 goals in the last three contests. The team has scored four goals or more in six of 12 games this season.

Despite the string of injuries to some of the squad's best players, the Lightning have been able to maintain course in the Eastern Conference. The Bolts have provided fans a few stats to be optimistic about this season.

Hockey Is Strong Is Tampa Bay

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Despite the negative attention that warm-weather markets receive, Tampa Bay has a strong fanbase.

It seems like an annual argument that hockey doesn't thrive in warm-weather markets. The possibility of NHL expansion or relocation makes the warm-weather teams obvious targets for criticism. Despite some teams struggling to fill seats (see: Florida Panthers), the Lightning aren't one of them.

So far this year, the Lightning are tied for 10th in the league in attendance percentage. Not only do they draw a crowd at home, but they do so on the road as well. The Bolts average 18,480 per home game, which is 11th in the league.

This team is run by a strong front office and has an exciting product on the ice. Despite the criticism of some warm-weather teams, hockey is strong in Tampa Bay and won't be going anywhere any time soon.

It's No as Lonely on Top of the World

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Tyler Johnson is just one of a handful of Lightning at the top of the leaderboards.

A quick glance across the NHL leaderboards shows a lot of blue and white. The Lightning are playing strong as a team and are being paced by a group of individuals that sit near the top of their respective categories.

Some of the names on the list include:

Steven Stamkos: eight goals (tied for third in NHL)

Ben Bishop: seven wins (tied for second in NHL)

Anton Stralman: plus-13 rating (second in the NHL)

Tyler Johnson: 13 assists (tied for first in NHL)

These are very encouraging numbers to minimize the talk of regression from last year's breakout season. Bishop has been sold in goal, Johnson has played well after his strong rookie season and Stamkos is back to blasting goals in typical fashion.

Things look good for the leaders in the Lightning locker room.

Doing What They Do Best

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Steven Stamkos leads the team's high-flying offense.

The Lightning are synonymous with a high-powered offense. With Steven Stamkos sniping, they are back to being an elite offensive team, but it isn't just Stammer.

The Bolts are second in the NHL in goals per game (3.50). Only Pittsburgh's crazy 4.09 goals-per-game average bests Tampa Bay. The team is ninth in the league in five-on-five goal average and has the league's third-best power play (25 percent).

Stamkos may lead the team with eight goals, but young stars Nikita Kucherov (five), Ondrej Palat (four) and Ryan Callahan (four) have provided a lot of secondary production.

Tampa Bay's offense has shown it can score in a hurry. If they are consistent throughout the season, the Bolts should be in good shape come playoff time.

Getting Ahead Early and Staying Ahead

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The Lightning have scored first in eight of 12 games this season. They have grabbed at least a point in seven of those games.

In 2011-12, the Lightning won just under 63 percent of games in which they scored first. In 2012-13, it was 68.4 percent. In 2013-14, it was 73.8 percent. As the trend enters the early part of 2014-15, the Lightning have won 75 percent of those games.

The Bolts are 6-1-1 when scoring first, which is sixth in the league. What's encouraging about those numbers is the fact that the Lightning are not blowing leads. They have 11 first-period goals and a plus-11 scoring differential overall.

With Ben Bishop performing adequately in net, the Lightning have jumped out to a great start this season. They will need Bishop to get closer to regular form in the coming months, but for now, the Lightning are taking advantage of opportunities, and that is all that can be asked of them.

Recent Draft Picks Continue to Produce

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Adam Erne is off to a strong start with his Junior club. He is just one of many prospects excelling at their respective levels.

Whether they are in the AHL, ECHL, Canadian Juniors or international leagues, the Lightning have a strong group of prospects just waiting for their shot with the big club. Recent draft picks such as Adam Erne, Anthony DeAngelo and Dominik Masin headline a strong prospect class, with many of the players performing well in their respective leagues.

BoltProspects.com provides a great resource for Lightning fans looking to keep tabs on the next generation of Lightning stars. Anthony DeAngelo has eight points in 13 games with the OHL's Sarnia Sting. Masin has a similar line for the OHL's Peterborough Petes.

Adam Wilcox is another strong goaltender for the Lightning. He is dominating the NCAA right now with the University of Minnesota. He is 5-1 this season, currently backstopping the NCAA's top-ranked program.

The 2014-15 season is full of encouraging stats for the Lightning so far and has resulted in one of the NHL's best records. With the depth that continues to grow, Tampa Bay may be one of the best teams in the league for years to come.