Robbinsville’s Colton, Lightning focused after Game 1 loss
A year ago, Ross Colton burst on the scene and delivered a Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and although the experience has brought some added confidence, Colton’s focus and motivation remain the same.
“I’ve worked my whole life for this and wanting to be a part of it,’’ Colton said from Colorado. “I know I still have so much more to prove and it motivates me every day to just keep getting better.’’
The Robbinsville native had a very impressive second season with the Lightning, scoring 22 goals and adding 17 assists. Now, in the third playoff series he has five goals and three assists so far.
Tampa Bay lost the opening game of this year’s Cup finals in overtime Wednesday to the Colorado Avalanche, 4-3, but this Lightning group has been down before.
“This team is battle tested and we’ve been in these situations before,’’ said Colton, who played at Princeton Day for two years. “We have been in all situations and nothing really fazes us, and that is a
testament to the leadership in the locker room. They are always telling us to stick with it and to know we can win.’’
The Lightning are back on the ice Saturday for Game 2 before the series shifts to Tampa.
While Colton is looking to put his name on the Stanley Cup for the second time, the Lightning are going for their third straight.
”We still have a lot to prove and we know we have a target on our back,’’ Colton said. “We just want to play the right way and not get too high or too low and just keep playing our game. We have a plan in place, and when we execute we’re pretty good.’’
With a year under his belt,
Colton came into preseason with a little more confidence and a greater feeling that he belonged there.
“Being a part of the team from day one just made me feel more a part of it all,’’ Colton said. “So, I’ve tried to have the same mindset as last year and from day one the coach has given me a lot of confidence and told me to just play my game.’’
Besides hard work and a ton of talent, there have been two other factors guiding the course for Colton: his family and the support from teammates.
“From day one they have always been by my side and I give them a lot of credit for everything they have done for me,’’ Colton said of his mom (Kelly), his dad (Rob) and his brother (Rob). “They were driving me all over creation as a young kid taking me to practices all over and supporting me. It motivates me to succeed and to show them
that all those extra hours driving around have paid off.’’
His brother, Rob, coached hockey at Villanova this season and was named the RCHA Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to a 9-3-2 season. He is also a coach in
the Mercer Chiefs system.
The support, encouragement and tutelage Colton has received from the Lightning veterans has been awesome.
“Pat Maroon was always a guy that I looked to,’’ Colton said. “I played on his line last year and a little this year. He’s pretty vocal on and off the ice, so whatever he does it goes a long way. It’s relaxing to be out there with such elite players and it makes you feel calm. I have to give credit to my linemates and players on the team that are always in the right spots. They make the game easier for me and the rest of the guys.’’
The most important thing he has learned is just to be Ross Colton.
“Be yourself and don’t change,’’ said Colton. “You know who you are and you are here for a reason. Come to the rink every day learn from the older guys and be a sponge and to always play within yourself.’’
He’s still the kid from Robbinsville, always willing to learn and still gets excited every time he takes the ice.
“Anytime you are playing in front of 20,000 plus people you’re going to get some chills and be excited,’’ said Colton. “I try to stay calm and not let my emotions get the best of me, but anytime the anthem is playing and you’re going to play in front of that many people, it’s really cool.’’