Canes Shutout 3-0 by Lightning as Team Suffers Third Loss in a Row
© Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports - Canes Shutout 3-0 by Lightning as Team Suffers Third Loss in a RowThe Carolina Hurricanes were shutout by the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-0 Tuesday night at Amalie Arena.
It was the third straight loss for the Canes who fell below 0.500 for the first time since December 31, 2018.
While the damage on the scoreboard was considerably less; yet again, the same problems plagued the Hurricanes.
First, the penalty kill was beaten once again.
It was the exact same formula for a power play goal against. Jordan Staal loses the opening draw and the opposing team scores within the first 30 seconds as the Canes find themselves way out of position.
Brayden Point was alone in the slot and tipped a Victor Hedman shot by Pyotr Kochetkov.
Second, untimely goals.
Carolina surrendered a goal in the final three minutes of every period which made sure the wind was knocked out of their sails every time.
Point scored with 54 seconds left in the first, Alex Barre-Boulet tipped home a wide-open, backdoor feed with 2:09 remaining in the second and then Nick Paul found some soft space and rifled home a far-side shot with 2:56 left in the third.
The problem wasn't in net as Pyotr Kochetkov was solid in his start, turning aside 20 of the 23 shots he faced. He was aggressive when he needed to be and really challenged Tampa's shooters to keep the damage down.
The defense, as a whole, was better, but it was still costly at inopportune moments.
And while the offense had been dependable all season, tonight it disappeared.
The Hurricanes managed to put up 32 shots on Jonas Johansson and there were a few moments were things almost connected, but overall, even with the return of Sebastian Aho, the forwards just felt disjointed.
Passes were off — most of the time hitting Lightning skates — shots weren't getting through — Tampa blocked 17 — and when Brind'Amour shuffled lines, it just seemed to make matters worse.
At the very least, the dreadful road trip is now over.
Another thing to look forward to is that the team may see the return of Andrei Svechnikov very soon.
The Hurricanes will be back in action at PNC Arena Thursday night as they host the Seattle Kraken.
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