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Rapid Reactions: Lightning Lose to Flames 3-2 |
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The Tampa Bay Lightning saw their seven-game point streak come to an end as they suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. The Bolts and the Flames split their season series with each team winning on the road.
The Lightning finished a stretch of eight-straight games against Western Conference teams going 5-1-2.
Ordinary Loss at an Unfortunate Time
Losing is just a much a part of hockey as winning, they are bound to happen. It doesn't always mean the wheels are coming off. Sometimes, the opposition just has the better night.
Unfortunately for the Lightning, underachieving throughout most of the season has put them in a position where they simply cannot afford to lose. The recent point streak the team was on put the Bolts back in the playoff discussion but everyone knew that each loss going forward could prove to be costly.
There was truly nothing alarming about Thursday night's loss to Calgary. If it happened in any other circumstance, there would be very little focus on it. However, Tampa Bay is living in a world where any loss could destroy their postseason hopes.
Assisting the Decision
General Manager, Steve Yzerman, has a lot of decisions to make before the trade deadline passes on March 1st. With Tampa Bay's recent success, a wrench had been thrown into the plan for moving forward. All of a sudden, the postseason became a possibility again.
If the Bolts were able to win last night, it is possible that Yzerman would decide against moving players such as Ben Bishop with the hopes that this team could make a run. Now that the point streak has ended, a more clear decision could be made as to how the Lightning will approach the deadline.
On Tap
The Lightning continue their four-game homestand when they take on the Ottawa Senators on Monday night.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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