“Johansson Thrives in Exciting Double Header Moments”

Jonas Johansson along with the Tampa Bay Lightning feel thoroughly equipped for the hustle—and prospects—that lie ahead in January.

Johansson anticipates a busy month. Tampa Bay is scheduled for 15 matches in 29 days, a stretch that features four back-to-backs and extra opportunities to guard the crease.

“It’s incredibly thrilling. I feel excellent about it,” Johansson remarked regarding the increasing pace of the schedule. “We have some matches to make up here against the other teams, so it’s great to have all these games lined up. It’s an enjoyable time of the year.”

The Swedish netminder has exhibited his finest play recently.

Johansson boasts a 4-1-1 record in his last five appearances, including a 36-save shutout against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on December 23, alongside a .944 save percentage over his last four games.

Lightning goalie coach Frantz Jean has found Johansson’s efforts impressive throughout the season. Despite some uneven periods earlier in the season, Johansson has fulfilled his responsibilities effectively for the Bolts.

“He’s truly been exceptional. For him, it’s just a matter of persisting with the work he has been doing all year,” Jean stated. “He’s been remarkable in practice. He’s been outstanding in the last few matches. Just keep it going.”

Johansson maintains a 4-2-1 record and is among 43 NHL goalkeepers to achieve a shutout this season.

Johansson’s father, Per Johan (PJ), made the trip from Sweden for the December 23 game in Florida to witness his son’s first shutout of the season in person.

The goalie is in his second season with Tampa Bay. He ended the 2023-24 season with a career-best 12-7-5 record, starting the season as the team’s primary goalie while his net partner, Andrei Vasilevskiy, was sidelined due to injury.

Tampa Bay’s 34 games played count as the lowest in the NHL prior to January. Johansson aims to enhance his Lightning legacy this season, particularly as the team’s schedule intensifies this month.

“I’m sure he’s checked the calendar for January, February, March, and April. When you view the schedule until the year’s end, it’s essentially a game every other day,” Jean noted. “I believe he looks at that and is pretty much able to pinpoint where he might be playing.”

The 29-year-old netminder concluded December with a .947 save percentage across three starts, paired with a 1.68 goals-against-average. Both figures ranked in the top five among NHL goalies with a minimum of two starts last month.

More appearances allow a backup goalie to find a steadier rhythm in their performance, Jean explained. This indicates that Johansson could build upon what has already been an impressive streak.

“The challenge for a backup is primarily to get through the first period. Your reads may not be as sharp, and it takes time to connect with the game. Some players with specific experience manage to adapt more quickly. JoJo is quite adept at it,” Jean said.

“He’s performed commendably early in games this year. …You’d like to think the more he plays, the more he’ll find his rhythm, making it easier for him to come out and perform at his best.”