Lightning's Skill Shows in Win Over The Red Wings

The Lightning overcame an shaky first period in which they were down 2-0 and went on to win the game 6-4 over the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't the best start to the game as it seem the Lightning couldn't get their legs going and looked slow mostly throughout the first period. Goalie Ben Bishop seem to struggled to find the puck early on and looked to be fighting the puck all night as he had some goals go in that he usually stops.

However, it didn't matter as the Lightning skill and speed was just too much for the Red Wings as the offense finally got things going especially in the third period. I thought Jonathan Drouin was the best player on the ice last night as he got things going with the first goal and added a assist which put the Bolts up two late in the third period.

Drouin's vision, Killer's finish. #DETvsTBL https://t.co/mGQkrqDVUp

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 14, 2016

Drouin is just so good with the puck on his stick and created many chances for himself and his teammates. There were other positives as the Lightning scored three powerplay goals which was awesome to see since the powerplay has been this team's weakness in the past. There was constant movement and shots were getting on net which is the recipe for success on the man advantage. Another big change that was good to see was Stamkos back on the left circle where he can fire that great one timer that he has. The Lightning went his way multiple times last night which created some good opportunities.

This was exciting start to the season as the Lightning showcased how good their offense can be. If this team can be consistent on the power play they could win well over 50 games this season. Next game is tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils who are little more skilled and an more complete team than the Red Wings, should be another exciting game.

High Expectations

The Tampa Bay Lightning  begin their 25th season tonight against the Detroit Red Wings and expectations are higher than ever this fall. The Lightning are coming off two seasons in which they made it to the Stanley cup final and eastern conference final respectively losing to the eventual cup winners in both seasons. Steve Yzerman and his staff had an busy off-season as they were able to sign back their core guys in Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Alex Killorn, and Nikita Kucherov. Basically have the same team coming back looking to get over the hump and win the ultimate prize being the Stanley cup. This team has it all, they just need to stay healthy and put it all together down the stretch of the season and into the playoffs.

The team has probably the best goalie duo in Ben Bishop and Andrei Vasilevskiy whom both have been outstanding over the last two seasons. The team has a big decision to make regarding Bishop as he is entering the final year of his contract. Does the team trade him if the right offer appears and go with Vasilevskiy going into the postseason? I say they don't and let Bishop get one more shot at winning it all, and then in the off-season they can figure that out.

Lightning have what they need to win it all as they have scoring, solid defense, and great goaltending. I think the big keys throughout the season is going to be staying healthy and developing the powerplay enough to make it a strength. If they can do those two things the sky is the limit for this team as they have everything else in place. It all begins tonight, it's going to be a fun season as expectations are high but this team would want it no other way.