Monday was the first of a back-to-back as the Lightning will have the chance to bounce back in Arizona on Tuesday.
The Lightning’s five-game point streak came to an end last night with a 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. It wasn’t a terrible game for the Lightning but they were just slightly off.
As expected, the first period started off with speed from both teams. When Victor Hedman's stick got caught in the Colorado bench, the Avs capitalized and quickly grabbed the lead.
The Lightning were generating shot attempts throughout the night (17 at 5v5) but having trouble getting them in the net, often shooting wide or hitting the post. It didn't help that Colorado's goaltending has only given up six goals in the last four games.
Before the Bolts had a chance to catch up, Colorado banked two more goals in 1:47. Before they knew it, the score was 3-0.
In the second period, the Lightning put two pucks in the net, but only one counted. Mikey Eyssimont’s rebound goal was challenged and quickly reversed.
With not much to show for their efforts, the Bolts continued grinding it out. They gained some momentum on a goal from Anthony Cirelli but ultimately were unable to climb their way back in the third.
“We didn't show push back until the last two minutes of the game. That was the disappointing part tonight,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “I don't know if it's all the travel we've been doing or what's gone on, but it was just one of those games where we weren't really in it from the beginning. Our execution was lackluster at best, and when you don't execute, it's tough to play.”
The Lightning will turn the page quickly as they visit Arizona tonight to complete their back-to-back.