After beating the Montreal Canadiens and securing their first playoff spot since 2011 on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Lightning laid an egg and dropped a 4-1 decision to the Calgary Flames on Thursday. I’m not going to breakdown every little detail of that embarrassing performance; rather, I’ll let the team’s captain do the talking.
More Stamkos "Big games we play so well and the other teams we are playing that are not in the playoffs, we play like (expletive). ''
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) April 4, 2014On Bishop… I questioned Jon Cooper’s decision to start Ben Bishop in back-to-backs last weekend. I really question his decision to start Bishop in a mean-nothing game against the Calgary Flames. The Lightning are in the playoffs. Calgary is a team aiming for a very high lottery pick. Calgary doesn’t play in the Eastern Conference. That game had Anders Lindback written all over it.
It’s pretty clear that Bishop needs rest at this point. As good as he was against Montreal, he’s looked tired for the better part of the last month. With nothing but home ice advantage on the line now, Cooper needs to rest his starting goaltender. This Bolts squad lives and dies with the play of Bishop. I tweeted out my thoughts a few days ago, and the thoughts still apply today.
Sure, home ice would be nice. Running Bishop into the ground to secure home ice isn't worth it though.
— Michael Stuart (@HB_MikeStuart) March 30, 2014I'll take a rested Bishop in a best of seven without home ice over a tired Bishop in a best of seven with home ice. #TBLightning
— Michael Stuart (@HB_MikeStuart) March 30, 2014On Callahan… Callahan tallied an assist in the loss against Calgary, giving him 11 points in 15 games as a member of the Lightning. It’s hard to describe just how good he’s been since joining the Bolts in that trade which sent Marty St. Louis to New York. As Jon Cooper has said numerous times, Callahan just gives the team an element that was missing prior to the acquisition. The work that he does in the corners, on the boards, and in front of the net can’t be understated.
With all that in mind, it really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Steve Yzerman and the Lightning have publicly declared that they would love to re-sign this player. I know this isn’t some quantifiable statement, but Callahan just looks good in a Lightning jersey. If the team can come to terms with the player on a reasonable contract that works for both sides, Bolts Nation would likely be very happy. I haven’t seen this fan base so excited about a new acquisition in a long time.
On the Final Week… The Lightning only have five games left in this 2013-14 regular season. Four of those games will be played on home ice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Before finishing the season on the road in Washington, the Lightning will play host to the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets. There’s certainly an opportunity there for the Bolts to win a few games, and head into the post-season on a high note.
As always, thanks for reading.