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.

Bolts Strike Late to Win Game 4

It wasn't pretty last night, but the Lightning managed to find a way, winning 3 to 2 over the Red Wings taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Lightning played their game last night using their speed and playing more of a north and south game which is key for them to have success. They came out strong in the first period, playing physical and putting constant pressure on the Red Wings D-men. The Bolts forwards played with a shoot first mentality totaling 14 shots on goal in the first period which was closed to what they had all for game 3 with 16 shots.

However, the big story of the game was the Lightning special teams as their powerplay accounted for all three goals. They were crisp with their puck movement and were assertive with their shots on goal as it look like they had finally figured out what to do with the man advantage. Jonathan Drouin and Nikita Kucherov were the best players on the ice last night and good things happen when they had the puck on their sticks. Kucherov score 2 goals and assist while Drouin had three assists including the game winner to Ondrej Palat which was a great play.

Palat goal pic.twitter.com/J9eboShgXR

— Stephanie (@myregularface) April 20, 2016

The combination of Kucherov and Drouin on the powerplay is tough to stop because both guys know what to do with the puck, and both are looking to make plays instead of waiting for something to happen. Only 21, Drouin is showing his potential in this series as he has been a force with the puck on his stick and it looks like he is going to be a big contributor going forward.

Ben Bishop was outstanding again and allowed the team to have a chance to win in the third period. He made big saves in critical moments and has been consistent in the series so far. Even after blowing a 2-0 lead, the team didn't panicked and just continued to play their game and came up with big plays at the right time. Huge win for the team and now have a great opportunity to end the series with game 5 back in Tampa on Thursday night.

Bolts Need Another Gear to Win Game 4

The Lightning looked real strong during games 1 and 2, winning 3-2 and 5-2 respectively, taking a 2-0 series lead against the Red Wings. The team played with determination and were in attack mode for both games which is key for the Lighting to have success. Now I'm thinking just play the same way in game 3 and this series is over with a 3 games to none series lead. Well that didn't happen as the Lighting would lose 2-0 to the Red Wings making it a 2 to 1 series lead for the Bolts. Game three was really frustrating for me to watch as the team was just sitting back playing not to lose, plus all the penalties which hurt our chances of getting into any kind of rhythm offensively. Lightning didn't use their speed and didn't forcheck aggressively like they usually do, that needs to change in game 4.

The Lightning need to find another gear if they want to win game 4 as the Red Wings will come out desperate tonight in attempt to tie the series. Tonight's first five minutes of the game are crucial for the Lightning as they need to come out fast and attack Red Wings Goalie Petr Mrazek early and often. Get that puck in deep and forcheck the hell out of the Red Wings defenders, and be physical, but smart at the same time.

Last game, our line of Johnson, Kucherov, and Killorn combined for zero shots, that just can't happen if the Lightning want to win, must get that line going early tonight. This team usually does a good job responding after a difficult loss, let's hope that continues tonight. One thing to watch for is look for the Lightning forwards to use some fake shot dekes against Mrazek as he is really aggressive and it's something the Lightning should take advantage of. Lightning just need to keep the pedal to the medal tonight and they should be up 3-1 in the series later tonight. Also let's just start the game with a Boyle Abdelkader fight and watch Abdelkader cry like a little girl again like he did in game three.