Lightning off to good start on road trip.
?The Lightning began their 6 game road trip Monday afternoon in Los Angeles as the Lightning beat the Kings by a score of 2-1. The Lightning then dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks. The good news, the Lightning managed to get 3 out of 4 points in these 2 games as they continue to chase a playoff spot.
The west coast run is never easy and has only gotten a lot tougher to get points in these buildings, as the Kings, Ducks, and tonight's opponent the San Jose Sharks all have a Stanley Cup final on their resume the last few years.
It is good to see the Lightning tighten up defensively. The defense has been a major disppaointment for the team so far this season. The last 4 games which included two at home against Buffalo and Columbus, the Lightning have allowed 7 goals which is just under two goals per game. Can the Lightning continue this type off play down the stretch? That remains to be seen. GM Steve Yzerman is actively pursuing a top 4 defensemen before the March 1 deadline.
It's no coincidence that as the defense has improved the play of the goalies has also improved. Ben Bishop returned against Buffalo last week and has been very good. This also is the time of year when the scoring sometimes goes south, as teams really clamp down defensively as the drive for playoff positioning heats up. The Lightning have scored 4 goals in their last 3 games. The Lightning will have to find some scoring somewhere as 1 goal per game will not get it done. Steven stamkos is not expected back until Mid March at the earliest. Ryan Callahan is out indefinitely with a lower body injury.
The Lightning will continue to rely on the play of rookies Matt Peca, Adam Erne, and Braydon Point to pick up the scoring slack. I'm sure the Syracuse shuffle will continue until the team regains its health.
With the Lightning getting points in 3 out of its last 4 games maybe the season is starting to turn and The lightning will begin to resemble the teams that made deep playoff runs the last two seasons.
After San Jose, the Lightning finish with Arizona, Chicago, and Florida before the all-star break. Last year at this time, the Lightning got on a roll that propelled them into the playoffs getting 40 out of a possible 50 points.
Will Lightning strike twice? We will know soon.
