Lightning Strike Back: Tampa Bay’s Resurgence and Playoff Prospects
The Tampa Bay Lightning have shaken off a recent slump and are back to their winning ways. Let’s dive into their impressive rebound, the standout performances, and what lies ahead on their schedule.
Lightning’s Road to Redemption
Despite a narrow 4-3 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames, the Lightning had a stellar week during their West Coast road trip. They dominated the Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, and Edmonton Oilers with a combined score of 17-6. This resurgence couldn't have come at a better time.
The Pacific Division has been underwhelming this season, highlighted by the fact that the Detroit Red Wings, not even in the playoff picture in the East, have more points than the division-leading Anaheim Ducks. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay’s 3-0-1 record on this trip was a crucial confidence booster. With the Buffalo Sabres holding a slim four-point lead for first in the Atlantic Division, the Lightning are closing in, making second place their likely floor.
Finishing second would position Tampa Bay favorably for the playoffs. Currently projected to face the Montreal Canadiens, Hockey Stats’ prediction model gives them a strong 68% chance of advancing.
Star Performers Shine Bright
The Lightning’s stars truly lit up the ice last week. Nikita Kucherov was nothing short of sensational, tallying six goals and seven assists over four games, bolstering his Hart Trophy candidacy.
With 40 goals and 79 assists, he leads the league with 119 points in just 65 games. Despite some missed time, Kucherov is on track for around 94 assists, a feat achieved only 20 times in NHL history.
One more assist would place Kucherov in elite company as just the fourth player with five or more 80-assist seasons, alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr. He’d also join Gretzky as the only player with four consecutive 80-assist seasons.
Linemates Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel also impressed, each racking up eight points last week. Their contributions will be vital for a deep playoff push.
In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy was rock-solid, winning three games with a .908 save percentage and a 2.01 goals-against average, never allowing more than two goals in a game.
Upcoming Schedule: March 23-29
Here’s what’s on the horizon for the Lightning:
- Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. vs. Minnesota Wild (40-19-12) at Benchmark International Arena
- Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. vs. Seattle Kraken (31-29-9) at Benchmark International Arena
- Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m. vs. Ottawa Senators (36-24-9) at Benchmark International Arena
- Sunday, March 29, 5 p.m. vs. Nashville Predators (33-28-9) at Benchmark International Arena
With momentum on their side, the Lightning are poised to make a strong push as the playoffs approach. Keep an eye on their stars as they aim to continue their dominant play.