The NHL trade deadline is approaching. Two weeks ago Lightning goalie Ben Bishop was the hot name on the trade wire, now Bishop is just a hot goaltender.
With two weeks to go before the March 1 trade deadline, Bishop has reeled off five straight wins and the Lightning have pointed in seven-straight games, heading into Thursday night's game at Amalie Arena against the Calgary Flames.
Last year's Vezina Trophy finalist has heard the trade rumors for weeks now and he knows there is nothing he can do about it besides suit up and play hockey.
"It's part of the business obviously," said Bishop, "and this has been going on all year, so it's not really much of a change so I'm kinda getting used to it."
In the last five games, the netminder. in his ninth NHL season. has given up just 1.2 goals-per-game and has a save percentage of .946, helping the Lightning to within four points of the final wildcard spot. Still the rumors circulate and his teamates hope for the best.
"Bish is a professional. I don't think he thinks about it, no one thinks about that kind of stuff, you just have to play your game and do what you have to do and go from there" said Tyler Johnson, who is tied for second on the team with 17 goals.
"He's a huge part of our team," said Alex Killorn. "As of late he has been playing so well it would be tough to think of our team without him."
A trade deadline, a playoff push and a hot team with a hot goalie. Hard to imagine the Bolts without number 30, who has picked the right time to get hot on so many levels.