The Tampa Bay Lightning could not make it two overtime victories in a row as they fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in the extra period of Thursday night's contest.
For some time, last night's game felt a lot like deja vu. The Bolts were once again experiencing a two-goal deficit. Just like Wednesday's game, Tampa Bay was able to erase that lead, this time with goals from Brian Boyle and Ondrej Palat.
Unfortunately, when the game reached overtime this time around, Valterri Filppula committed goaltender interference and sent the Maple Leafs on a 4-on-3 power play. Of course, this would lead to the game-winning goal by Nazem Kadri, giving Toronto its fourth straight win.
Lately, the Lightning have shown a great deal of resiliency and perseverance. Trailing has not resulted in panic and the team has been able to come back and produce a chance to get some points from the contest.
Still, Tampa Bay has had to come from behind too often this season. Last night marked the fourth-straight game they have given up the opening goal. In addition, this is the 24th time in 37 games that this has happened. Although the Bolts have recently shown their ability to get back into games when trailing, they are still 7-13-4 when giving up the opening goal this season.
Consistency in performance, both in individual games and the big picture, has been something the Lightning have struggled with all season. It has been rare to see a complete game, as well as a string of games where Tampa Bay has looked like the Stanley Cup contender everyone expected them to be.
Luckily, they are very much alive in the chase for a playoff spot with a lot of hockey still to be played. They are only two points behind the Boston Bruins for third place in the Atlantic Division. In addition, they are only four and five points out of the two wild card spots, currently held by the Capitals and Flyers.
I have said this before, but the Bolts cannot take the fact that their playoff hopes are still alive for granted. It has been a shaky season to this point filled with injuries and disappointment. Luckily that can all be forgiven if the team can put together a decent win streak.
The Lightning will look to increase their number in the win column when they host the Carolina Hurricanes on New Year's Eve.