Lightning Hire Bellemare to Improve Faceoff Success
The Tampa Bay Lightning added Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to the staff to bolster team faceoff performance.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Hockey
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The Tampa Bay Lightning have hired Pierre-Edouard Bellemare as a player development specialist to address team struggles in the faceoff circle. The move aims to reverse an early-season trend where the team opened with a 45.3% win rate.
Why it matters
Poor faceoff performance forced the Lightning to spend significant time playing under duress early in the season. Improving these metrics is a strategic priority to reduce defensive zone pressure.
The Lightning currently rank 20th in the NHL in faceoff win percentage. Individually, Zemgus Girgensons has recorded a 59.6% win rate over his last three games.
The players
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
A veteran player who now serves as a player development specialist for the Lightning, leveraging his career 51.5% faceoff win rate.
Zemgus Girgensons
A Lightning center who has improved his faceoff efficiency during the recent stretch.
Anthony Cirelli
A key Lightning forward who recorded a 63.5% faceoff win percentage over a recent three-game span.
Brayden Point
A standout Lightning center who achieved a 64% faceoff win percentage over a three-game period.
Julien BriseBois
The general manager of the Lightning who is currently focused on managing salary cap space.
The details
Bellemare provides specialized instruction to centers, wingers, and defensemen on positioning and puck pursuit following morning skates and practices. Coaches have emphasized that winning possession after a draw is now treated as a critical battle statistic.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: Lightning recorded a 63% faceoff win rate against the Capitals.
October 24, 2026: Official publication of the report.
Season Trajectory
This move highlights the Lightning's effort to stabilize their performance as they navigate a competitive season and look toward potential trade deadline maneuvers. The focus on faceoffs is intended to elevate the team's standing within the division while management maintains salary cap space.
The Lightning's improved faceoff win rates of 62%, 57%, and 59% in recent games suggest a tangible shift in possession metrics for fantasy lineups and game outcomes. Fans should monitor whether the team uses their $3.1 million in salary cap space to pursue external talent like Dylan Larkin.
The takeaway
Focusing on technical skills like faceoff positioning allows the Lightning to control the pace of play and minimize defensive strain. By treating every draw as a competitive battle, the team is working to secure more possession time in the offensive zone.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Bay Times.
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