Lightning Are Back in the Eastern Conference Finals

The Lightning defeated the Islanders 4-0, winning the series 4-1 and are advancing to the eastern conference finals for the second straight season. This series got off to a shaky start for the Bolts as they came out flat in game 1 losing 5-3, but after that they were able to come up big in key situations leading them to 4 straight wins. Goalie Ben Bishop was outstanding again and pretty much won games 3 and 4 by himself along with some timely goals in overtime that help the Lightning take control of the series. Bishop was great again yesterday collecting his 5th postseason shutout, 4 of them have come in the clinching game.

This Lightning team will go as far as Bishop can take them, and right now it looks like he wants the stanley cup. He just makes everything look so easy and plays with great poise and confidence which makes him such a great goalie. Now it wasn't all Bishop as Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov were terrific as well and came up with huge goals during big moments of the games. This team just has everything flowing their way, and this is without one of their top D-man, and top goal scorer which is really impressive. The coaching staff led by Jon Cooper has done an outstanding job, and their job doesn't get any easier with the next opponent likely to be either the Penguins or Capitals. The good news is that Anton Stralman and JT Brown could be ready for the upcoming series which will only make our defense that much better along with more speed on the ice in Brown.

Back to yesterday's win, the team was flat out dominant and it was funny to watch the Islanders bench as they knew they couldn't do anything to stop it. Lightning were just the better team and it showed in this series, and at times the Lightning just looked unstoppable. Now the Lightning get the chance to rest and can prepare for the next opponent whom will be a much tougher test.

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.