After making the trade that sent Cory Conacher to Ottawa and brought Ben Bishop to Tampa, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman took a lot of criticism from all corners of the hockey world; the early returns indicate that said criticism is unwarranted. Ben Bishop and the Lightning skated into Raleigh, North Carolina and walked out with a 5-0 victory and two very important points. It may not have been the team’s prettiest execution of the season, but it was certainly the team’s best result so far this year.

In his Lightning debut, Bishop did more than could have ever been expected. Stopping 45 of 45 shots directed his way, the big goaltender made routine stops, highlight reel stops, and everything in between. He gave the skaters in front of him confidence, he looked calm, he played like the number one guy this team has needed since Anders Lindback went down with injury.

Despite being decimated by key injuries, the Carolina Hurricanes came out and started the game with poise and a workman-like effort. Not only did they control the play through the first twenty minutes, but they looked mighty dangerous too. Unfortunately for the ‘Canes, Ben Bishop was there to stop all 16 shots and keep the Lightning in a scoreless tie.

The second period, which has plagued the Lightning all season long, was remarkably friendly to the road team. Only 28 seconds into the frame, Teddy Purcell picked up a weak rebound from Dan Ellis and made no mistake converting to give the Lightning their eventual game winning goal. Ellis had trouble handling a weak Matt Carle point shot and Purcell was left all alone to do what he does best.

Tom Pyatt and Keith Aulie extended the Lightning lead to three before the second period buzzer rang with two equally impressive tallies. Pyatt deflected a beautiful pass from Alex Killorn, while Aulie wired home a picture perfect point shot. At 3-0 heading into the second intermission, it was abundantly clear that the Lightning had complete control of the contest.

With a three goal lead and only twenty minutes left up on the clock, many teams might take a step back and ease off the gas pedal – not the Lightning. Martin St. Louis fired home a one-timer off a beautiful pass from Benoit Pouliot for his 9th of the season just over two minutes into the third, and Pouliot extended the Lightning lead further only five minutes later. The Lightning notched five goals for and didn’t allow a single tally against; Thursday’s result was picture perfect.

Despite the offensive showcase that saw Martin St. Louis put up three points and a trio of players notch two, the man of the night was most certainly Ben Bishop. As mentioned, his debut with the Lightning couldn’t have gone any better. His size was apparent, his quickness was inspiring, and his ability to track the puck served him incredibly well. Along with Anders Lindback, Bishop can certainly help to solidify the Lightning crease for years to come.

Overall, despite allowing 45 shots against, the Lightning have to be mighty happy with their total effort on Thursday night. Eric Brewer looked as good as he has all season, Matt Carle was wheeling and dealing, and the offensive guns were firing on all cylinders. With Vincent Lecavalier back in the fold on the offensive side of the puck, this team is starting to look a whole lot better than it did even two weeks ago.

Now 2-0-1 under head coach Jon Cooper, the Lightning sit only four points back of the division leading Washington Capitals with one game still in hand. Even though the Bolts will have to overcome teams like the Hurricanes and Jets if they want to make the playoffs, if they get continued performance out of everyone on the roster it’s hard not to like their chances. With their victory on Thursday, the Lightning’s chance of making the post-season sits at thirty percent per Sports Club Stats. While hurdles may exist, the dream is still very much alive.

Congratulations to Ben Bishop on his first victory and shutout as a member of the Lightning, and here’s to many more!

As always, thanks for reading.

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