The Lightning find themselves in a tricky situation as we near the last two months of the regular season.
The Lightning find themselves in a tricky situation as we near the last two months of the regular season.
Ahead the All-Star break, the Lightning were confident coming off a successful month of January, winning eight of their last nine games. The Syracuse rookies brought a fresh new energy on and off the ice, and struggles from the first half of the season seemed to be behind them.
After beating the Boston Bruins 3-2 and the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 just one week ago, the Lightning are struggling to find their rhythm again.
Thursday night, they dropped their third straight game at Amalie Arena as the Washington Capitals took the lead back late in the third period to bank a win.
“We’ve got to find a way to tighten up in our own end and some of these rush chances we’ve given up have cost us,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “You’ve got to turn the page and move on and look at three big games in this road trip with teams that are basically surrounding us in the standings.”
It was another slow start for the Lightning. Washington took the lead early and kept it at 2-0 until Brandon Hagel scored in the second period. Hagel has remained consistent throughout this homestand, extending his point streak to 11 games. This tied him with NHL points leader, Nikita Kucherov for the longest point streak by a Lightning player this season.
The Lightning didn't get much of a break as Capitals’ Anthony Mantha responded quickly, making it 3-1.
The team started the third period with a bolt of energy, attempting to make a late push. Nick Paul and Tyler Motte scored 24 seconds apart. With 16 minutes left in the period and momentum on their side, the Lightning had a chance to grab their first win in a week, but ultimately couldn't get across the finish line. Rasmus Sandin scored the tie breaking goal with 4:59 left, putting the Capitals on top.
“Everyone knows what time of year it is, and we’ve got to find a way to get points,” said Lightning forward Tyler Motte. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t (Thursday), but you’ve got to be able to turn the page. You’ve got to go on the road and find a way to win games.”
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