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Rapid Reactions: Lightning Squander Golden Opportunity |
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The Tampa Bay Lightning saw its four-game win streak come to an end after suffering a 5-0 beating at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. The Bolts have been shutout on five separate occasions this season.
This is the kind of game where it is unnecessary to suffer through all the painful details. Simply put, Thursday night's contest was a game the Bolts had to have and they came out stale.
The Maple Leafs were able to disrupt what the Lighting were trying to do early and the home team could just never require. There were definitely some brief signs of a resurgence in the first period. However, the wheels came completely off in the second period as the Lightning surrendered four more goals.
Tampa Bay had been playing so well lately and everyone had to know that a stinker was coming. No team can play brilliant all of the time. Unfortunately, it came at a time where the Bolts had an opportunity to take down a team they are fighting for a playoff spot with and possibly slide into the final wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.
On a positive note, the New York Islanders suffered defeat last night as well. The only significant movement that took place was Toronto jumped one point ahead of both the Isles and Bolts. You can expect these teams to be exchanging positions in the standings a few more times before the season is finally over.
With 12 games left to be played, the Lightning cannot begin to panic. Essentially, their chances of making the playoffs are just as good now as they were before Thursday night's dud. Still, Tampa cannot afford to suffer another beating like that for the remainder of the schedule.
The Bolts will host the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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