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.

The Captain is Back!

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed star forward and team captain Steven Stamkos to new 8 yr deal worth 68 million in which Lightning Gm Steve Yzerman announced last night. This is fantastic news for this hockey club as they have been on the cusp of winning a stanley cup the past two seasons. Most thought that Stamkos had played his last game with the Lightning after the game 7 loss to the Penguins, but that isn't the case anymore.  Stamkos has stated that he has unfinished business here and is determined to bring this city a stanley cup title again.

Excited to be back for 8 more years @TBLightning ! Here we go .....

— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) June 29, 2016

Tremendous job by Steve Yzerman and Stamkos's agent to get this done allowing Stamkos to continue his career in Tampa Bay. Stamkos's heart is with this organization and feels it has many great seasons ahead with hopefully multiple championships per tampabay.com.

"I grew up as a kid there," Stamkos said. "And this team is on the verge of hopefully competing for Stanley Cups for years to come and me being the captain and being a leader... I know the process took a lot longer than maybe both parties would have liked, but in every decision in life you want to make the best decision. 

The biggest news from this is that we could finally see Stamkos and young star Jonathan Drouin on the same line for this upcoming season which could be a very dynamic duo.

Few months ago, some wondered if #TBLightning would lose both @RealStamkos91 + @jodrouin27. Now they could be on same line next season

— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 30, 2016

 This is a great day for the Lightning and all of the fans in Tampa Bay. This team is going to be special during the 2016-17 season.

Lightning Come Up Short Again

The Tampa Bay Lightning were so close yet again but come up short for the second consecutive season. Pittsburgh was just too strong and fast and at times really dominated the series as the Lightning just couldn't make the proper adjustments without goalie Ben Bishop. Even though backup goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy played outstanding throughout the series, the Lightning missed Bishop's ability to stop the other teams forcheck by being able to make outlet passes to the d-men or forwards to start the rush.

This team show signs of being able to outplay Pittsburgh but the inconsistencies that plagued this team all year came back to bite them in the ass, and unfortunately cost them the chance to play in the stanley cup finals again. The Lightning struggle to create any kind of rhythm offensively during game 6 or game 7 which ultimately cost them the series. Tip your hat to the Penguins, they played aggressive and were more smart with the puck and overall were just better than Tampa. Our key players were non-existent in the last two games as well, especially Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov. In the playoffs your best players have to be the best players on the ice, and unfortunately for the Lightning that wasn't always the case.

With that being said, it is amazing that this team made it to game 7 of the eastern conference finals without their two best players in Steven Stamkos and Ben Bishop. Hopefully Yzerman can find a way to keep the core players on this team intact for next season as they will have another great chance to win the cup in 2017. The team has probably found three young stars in forwards Jonathan Drouin, Nikita Kucherov, and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy whom all have very bright futures ahead in this league. This team just needs to stay healthy come playoff time as it has the pieces to win the cup next season.

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.