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Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Scoring Slump Busted, but at What Cost?

April 9, 2021, 12:14 AM ET [9 Comments]
Michael Stuart
Tampa Bay Lightning Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Tampa Bay Lightning snapped their scoring slump on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it came at a cost. Here are the thumbs from tonight’s 6-4 win:

Thumbs Down: The Stamkos Injury
That aforementioned cost came in the form of an injury to Steven Stamkos. After scoring his 17th goal of the year in the first period, Stamkos left the game in the third period with an apparent leg injury. It occurred on what looked like a harmless play, but left the team Captain limping down the tunnel as he left the ice. Jon Cooper didn’t have an update for the press following the game, which isn’t a great sign. Given Stamkos’ long history with injuries, there’s certainly reason for concern right now. The only thing to do is hope that tomorrow’s update is a positive one.

Thumbs Up: Ryan McDonagh Looked Like Ryan McDonagh
After a tough few games in his return from injury, Ryan McDonagh looked like his old self tonight. He was excellent, generating a 76% expected goal share at five-on-five per Natural Stat Trick. Of particular note was the way he drove play in the offensive zone; the Lightning were buzzing whenever he moved the puck up ice. That great work was rewarded with two goals for McDonagh, the third and fourth of his year.

Thumbs Up: The Gourde Line
This was a comically good night for the Yanni Gourde, Blake Coleman, and Barclay Goodrow trio. It wasn’t just that they combined for a whopping 10 (!) points, either. They were using their speed and smarts to create opportunities for the Lightning, and limit opportunities for the Blue Jackets. It was as good as you’ll ever see a “checking” line perform at the NHL level. The numbers match what they eye test was telling everyone, as that trio generated a 92% (!) expected goal share at five-on-five per Natural Stat Trick.

Thumbs Up: Ross Colton Scores… Again
Speaking of comedy.

Thumbs Up: Cal Foote’s Best NHL Game?
Even though his name didn’t show up in the scoresheet, Cal Foote was excellent tonight. The way he stuck up for Mikhail Sergachev after a high hit was admirable, and the solid minutes he delivered helped Tampa’s cause in an understated way. There’s no reason that he shouldn’t be playing every game down the stretch. The right-side defence is weak to begin with, and we’re just starting to get a sense of what Foote can be and is at this level.

Thumbs Down: Game Management
It’s amazing how the colour of the officiating changed after Tampa Bay built up a decent lead. The Blue Jackets just seem to be able to get away with a lot whenever they play the Lightning. Game management is a plague in this league, and it needs to die a quick, painful death.

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The Lightning will see the Nashville Predators for a matchup on Saturday.

As always, thanks for reading.
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