"There's ups and downs and you've got to stick with it."
Three Dallas goals in the opening 7:39 of the first period quickly set the agenda for what would be a difficult Saturday for the Bolts.
The Lightning are only 9 days removed from a dynamic 8-2 win in Carolina, but they’re struggling to find consistency. With 25 points at (10-10-5), they're two points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. After dropping four straight games, they’re putting the pieces together and trying to get back to what they know works.
The mindset in the room is that losses aren't a reason to “reinvent the wheel” or try to figure out a brand new system. They know the recipe and they have seen it work time and time again. Their goal is to get back to what they already know and simplify their game.
“I think the biggest thing is to have all our mindsets on the same page. Instead of everyone thinking and gripping their stick tighter and trying to play different, I think it's more of just trusting the process,” said Nick Paul.
“When it starts going bad is when we start trying to do more and change things, and that's where the frustration really sets in. So I think just everyone being on the same page, being positive. Knowing that the page is going to turn and it's going to go our way. We're going to create our own energy and create our own luck. But again, that only happens with hard work and getting those chances, said Paul.”
It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride this season for the Bolts, often outplaying their opponents at a fast pace and without a break in rhythm. Then at some point, a turnover happens and the momentum starts to fade away. Overpassing the puck can complicate their game and lead to turnovers. This season, the turnovers are ending up in the back of the net.
“I think it just kind of happens. You know, we have some really good players on this team that like to make plays," said Paul. "And I mean, sometimes it doesn't work out, sometimes it does. Could it be better in some positions? For sure.”
“But at the end of the day, when you have high-end guys like that, you want to let them have freedom in the O-zone. And I mean, we've seen it work time and time again. So I think it's more of, if you're in this room, you kind of know where you stand and what kind of leash you should have.”
“Like me, myself, I'm not trying to make a cross-ice pass through the neutral zone, behind my back,” Paul said jokingly. “But there's guys in this room that can get that done. So I think it's just everyone being honest with themselves and knowing their role, and buying in and just playing their role.”
The Lightning will have a quick turn-around as they get an opportunity for a re-match with the Stars again on Monday night. Puck drop is at 7pm EST.