By Michael Wax
Backed by a huge performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy and four points from Steven Stamkos, the Lightning found a way to beat the Panthers 5-3. Here's how they stacked up:
Duclair-Point-Kucherov
Hagel-Cirelli-Stamkos
Eyssimont-Paul-Sheary
Motte-Glendening-Chaffee
Hedman-Raddysh
Perbix-Cernak
de Haan-Dumba
Vasilevskiy
Here are three things we noticed from the game:
Cap Strength
20 seconds in, the captain laid the groundwork for, at the very least, the beginning of the game for the Lightning. Transitioning from defense to offense, Erik Cernak's pass off the boards found its way to Steven Stamkos on a 2-1. Stamkos looked to slide the puck across to Brandon Hagel, but the puck went off of Panthers' defender Brandon Montour and by Sergei Bobrovsky.
In what has been a tough year for the captain at 5-on--5, his second even-strength goal in six games was badly needed to get the Lighting off on the right foot.
In the ridiculous second period, the Lightning ended up with a five-on-three and made quick work, with the captain putting together his trademark one-timer to give the Lightning a 4-0 lead.
It wasn't just his goal-scoring. While Anthony Cirelli was the one who started the play that led to the 3-0 goal for Darren Raddysh, Stamos was the one who picked up the assist thanks to a beautiful pass to Anthony Duclair, and Duclair found Raddysh for the finish.
Cat Nip
Even though the Lightning managed to double their lead in the second period, the last 40 minutes of play were less than ideal for a team looking to win games and find their identity as the season ramps up. In this one, their identity was something we had not seen in a very long time, which got them victory: Vintage Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Backstopping a team that gave up after the first period, Andre Vasilevskiy maybe put together his best performance of the season, statistically, and eye test (53/57 vs. Edmonton was also extremely impressive). Stopping 47 of 50 shots, this was the first game since he returned in November where it didn't feel like his surgery and rehab were hindering him. There were sprawling saves, to be sure, but Vasilevskiy would have never tried those a few months ago. He certainly needed to be on his game, as the Lightning were outshot 50-16 overall and 43-5 after the first 3:21 of the second period.
For someone who has played a ton of games recently, as the Lightning try to claw their way back into a comfortable playoff position, it wouldn't be a surprise if Vasilevskiy was tiring at this point. However, over the last three games, he has gotten stronger and shut down quality opponents in the Flyers, Rangers, and the Panthers. Even in situations where the Lightning don't play their best, they can rely on their all-world goaltender, which is something they haven't said for most of the season. If the Lightning have a superstar Vasilevskiy in net during the rest of the stretch run and in the playoffs, they can compete with anybody.
Comfort
Even though the lightning had been off for five days before they took on the New York Rangers, the teams around them had a very difficult time gaining ground on the team. The Lightning held their second wildcard spot firmly at the time, and the win versus the Rangers, combined with another Red Wings loss, got the Lightning the top wildcard spot. Even so, the Red Wings still had a game in hand, and all it took the Lightning to lose control and fall back into a very dangerous position was a Red Wings win. However, after the Florida win, not only did the Lightning create a more stable chance of making the playoffs, but the teams around them also did a gigantic favor.
Yesterday was certainly a day of mixed results. Even though the Red Wings snapped their losing streak to maintain their position with Tampa, they beat the Sabres, who are attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. The Capitals found another way to win, but their playoff hopes rely more on the Red Wings than on the Lightning. The Islanders picked up a point in overtime but still lost. The Penguins season is just about over, and they are a very up-and-down team that lost to the Rangers once again.
Even after both the Islanders and Capitals picked up points yesterday, the Lightning are five points clear of either team and four points clear of the Red Wings heading into their western road trip on Tuesday. The West Coast trip always seems like a daunting task, especially for those who would like to watch it with the late start times, but their opponents actually provide a very crucial point in order for them to continue to make up ground: the Golden Knights are currently clinging onto a wildcard spot despite there huge trade deadline acquisitions, the Sharks and Ducks continue to be two of the worst team in the league, and the Kings have really struggled since the start of the new year. If there's ever a time for the Lightning to solidify that spot after going through a gauntlet over the past few days, it's now.
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