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Lightning Snap Losing Streak with Win Against Panthers

February 16, 2013, 6:10 PM ET [25 Comments]
Michael Stuart
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It wasn’t pretty but, as they say in golf, there are no pictures on the scorecard. The Tampa Bay Lightning skated into Sunrise and came out with a much needed win. However, a 6-5 overtime result on the jumbo-tron does not tell the full story.

After six straight losses for the Lightning, emotion was running high, frustration was visible, and the team was in desperation mode. Simply put – things were looking pretty bleak in Bolts Nation. While today’s result gives the Lightning two much need points, the group’s execution was far from perfect. Do the ends really justify the means? Not really. This team has a lot to improve on before taking to the ice for its next game.

With eleven goals scored in the game, it would be foolish to recount every scoring play and nuance that took place. The basic storyline from today’s tilt will be defined by both the Lightning and the Panthers’ inability to hold leads. While the Panthers may not view themselves as contenders for the division title, the Lightning most certainly do. Good teams don’t blow two leads in a single game. To be blunt – the Lightning got lucky.

Throughout the last few weeks, the Lightning’s losing troubles started and ended with the offense’s inability to generate chances, and more importantly goals. While opportunities on odd-man rushes were squandered as a result of ill timing, the Lightning’s big guns came out and produced.

Steven Stamkos scored two goals and added an assist, Teddy Purcell had a goal and an assist, Benoit Pouliot had two goals including the overtime winner, and Martin St. Louis tallied two assists. That’s the sort of production that wins games when the defense and goaltending both struggle.

Stamkos and Purcell, in particular, did what leaders do. When the Lightning were in need, late in the game, they came through. Stamkos started the third period comeback with one of his patented one-timers, and Purcell ripped home a goal with 10.4 seconds left in the third to send the game to overtime. That’s the Lightning offense the team needs if it wants to win.

Despite the win, there is still concern looming around this Lightning team. The defense continued to look foolish while being beaten wide on a consistent basis, Anders Lindback (while not horrible) allowed five goals against a Panthers squad that is hardly the epitome of deadly, and confidence seemed to be lacking all game long. As mentioned above, good teams don’t blow leads. Good teams protect leads, shut down the neutral zone, and take home wins. Take the New York Rangers and their performances against the Lightning this year as a perfect example of that.

If there is one big positive to take away from today’s game, other than the win itself, it’s the resiliency that this group continues to show regardless of the score. Coming back from two goals down in the third period is never easy, but this team is able to do it on a semi-regular basis. While that’s certainly not a trend that anyone wants to continue, it is nice to see the heart, soul, and dedication that make up this year’s team. It’s inspiring.

Now 7-6-1, the Lightning are coming back to the friendly confides to take on the surprisingly solid Toronto Maple Leafs. After such a lengthy losing streak, it’s vitally important that the Lightning get things turned around. The journey continues on Tuesday night.

As always, thanks for reading.

* Congratulations to Alex Killorn, who scored his first NHL goal today. Here’s to many more, Alex! It was a beauty.
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