Sam Hitchcock: Bolts Dominate Possession Against Panthers

Regardless of what Fla did or didn't do after Stamkos tripped Matheson, the play should have whistled dead the moment Tampa touched the puck. It was a clear penatly and a missed call and with how Bobrovsky played, he deserved a chance at OT. Tampa was the better team but that single play/non-call changed the entire game.

It was a terrible missed call, but FL had plenty of time to overcome the bush league reffing. They just seemed a step behind, physically and mentally, all night. They had several good chances in the first, but vezinalevskii was on. Nice to see that Bob was standing on his head, too. Thought FL would've been more ready for the TB challenge last night. Disappointing effort by FL, imo.

Regardless of what Fla did or didn't do after Stamkos tripped Matheson, the play should have whistled dead the moment Tampa touched the puck. It was a clear penatly and a missed call and with how Bobrovsky played, he deserved a chance at OT. Tampa was the better team but that single play/non-call changed the entire game.
- jacke1ope

Couldn't believe that didn't get called when I was watching the game. So blatant.

Great win, time for another frustrating loss, because 2019-2020 Lightning.

It was a terrible missed call, but FL had plenty of time to overcome the bush league reffing. They just seemed a step behind, physically and mentally, all night. They had several good chances in the first, but vezinalevskii was on. Nice to see that Bob was standing on his head, too. Thought FL would've been more ready for the TB challenge last night. Disappointing effort by FL, imo.
- Ratsreign

Cats played 3 in 4 days. Next it’s Bolts turn on Thursday. Boston plays big game in Washington tonight and then comes to Tampa for a game Thursday

Looking forward to watching Caps/Bruins game tonight!

Cats played 3 in 4 days. Next it’s Bolts turn on Thursday. Boston plays big game in Washington tonight and then comes to Tampa for a game Thursday

Looking forward to watching Caps/Bruins game tonight!
- leafluver27

TB also played 3 in 4 days, and even played the night before while FL was off.
FL hosts the Isles, then the Bruins next two games.

Cats played 3 in 4 days. Next it’s Bolts turn on Thursday. Boston plays big game in Washington tonight and then comes to Tampa for a game Thursday

Looking forward to watching Caps/Bruins game tonight!
- leafluver27

While it was nice taking two regulation points from a team the Lightning are chasing in the division (Panthers), the upcoming Boston and Washington games are a more accurate litmus test of where the Bolts stand. Both teams give the Lightning fits and yet both are teams that the Lightning are capable of beating. The Lightning will need to further address their issues to ensure victories against Boston and/or Washington. Vasi must be dialed in. The big guns have to show up (looking at you Kucherov and Point). Stammer has to continue showing up. The special teams need to be solid. Lots of things need to be nailed down that the Bolts have been inconsistent with this season. I think the team is trending in the right direction, but much work remains to be done.

Any firm word on what the exact injuries are on Coburn and Johnson?

While it was nice taking two regulation points from a team the Lightning are chasing in the division (Panthers), the upcoming Boston and Washington games are a more accurate litmus test of where the Bolts stand. Both teams give the Lightning fits and yet both are teams that the Lightning are capable of beating. The Lightning will need to further address their issues to ensure victories against Boston and/or Washington. Vasi must be dialed in. The big guns have to show up (looking at you Kucherov and Point). Stammer has to continue showing up. The special teams need to be solid. Lots of things need to be nailed down that the Bolts have been inconsistent with this season. I think the team is trending in the right direction, but much work remains to be done.

Any firm word on what the exact injuries are on Coburn and Johnson?
- GalacticStone

Johnson is week to week I hear
I hate 🤬 back to backs😬

Johnson is week to week I hear
I hate 🤬 back to backs😬
- leafluver27

I would be shocked if the Lightning take both games against Boston and Washington. Both of those squads seem to have their act together a lot better than the Bolts do.

I would be shocked if the Lightning take both games against Boston and Washington. Both of those squads seem to have their act together a lot better than the Bolts do.
- GalacticStone

Both Washington and Boston have been great since beginning of season but a little suspect in last couple of weeks. So anything is possible.

Last nights game was fantastic!

Both Washington and Boston have been great since beginning of season but a little suspect in last couple of weeks. So anything is possible.

Last nights game was fantastic!
- leafluver27

Call me silly, but I would bring a heavy lineup against both teams. Go physical. Be ready to push back on intimidation (looking at you Tom Wilson) or cheap shots (looking at you Marchand). I'd dress 7 D-men and have Witowski as the 7th man. He'd mostly ride the pine, unless we need to him take someone to the box for 5-minutes. I'd sit Rutta and bring Schenn. Maroon, Paquette, Witowski, and Schenn should be enough salt and sandpaper to keep both Boston and Washington honest.

I'd double-shift select forwards with the bottom-six. Have your top-2 lines loaded with firepower and double-shift Palat, Point or Kucherov (or any top-sixer who can handle it) with the 3rd and 4th lines.

Call me silly, but I would bring a heavy lineup against both teams. Go physical. Be ready to push back on intimidation (looking at you Tom Wilson) or cheap shots (looking at you Marchand). I'd dress 7 D-men and have Witowski as the 7th man. He'd mostly ride the pine, unless we need to him take someone to the box for 5-minutes. I'd sit Rutta and bring Schenn. Maroon, Paquette, Witowski, and Schenn should be enough salt and sandpaper to keep both Boston and Washington honest.

I'd double-shift select forwards with the bottom-six. Have your top-2 lines loaded with firepower and double-shift Palat, Point or Kucherov (or any top-sixer who can handle it) with the 3rd and 4th lines.
- GalacticStone

I don’t know if Witkowski will be back. I could be wrong but I think you minor league team named him Captain. He’s too slow.

I’m still pissed NHL didn’t do more to Marchand with the licking! Licking spitting it’s all disgusting! Jeremy Jacobs effect I guess!

Call me silly, but I would bring a heavy lineup against both teams. Go physical. Be ready to push back on intimidation (looking at you Tom Wilson) or cheap shots (looking at you Marchand). I'd dress 7 D-men and have Witowski as the 7th man. He'd mostly ride the pine, unless we need to him take someone to the box for 5-minutes. I'd sit Rutta and bring Schenn. Maroon, Paquette, Witowski, and Schenn should be enough salt and sandpaper to keep both Boston and Washington honest.

I'd double-shift select forwards with the bottom-six. Have your top-2 lines loaded with firepower and double-shift Palat, Point or Kucherov (or any top-sixer who can handle it) with the 3rd and 4th lines.
- GalacticStone

Heading into eat at stadium! Hope Boston v Tampa is a great game!

Heading into eat at stadium! Hope Boston v Tampa is a great game!
- leafluver27

I wish I was there. It's been too long since I have seen a game in person. It was still called the "Ice Palace" the last time I went. I hope you get to see a win!

Good game. Lightning looked solid most of the night. They made it a nail-biter at the end, but Vasi stood tall and they pulled it off. If they can beat Washington, then maybe they have turned the corner.