By Jake Ricker
Last night, the Lightning took on the Washington Capitals in their Thanksgiving showdown. The Lightning got off to a good start, celebrating Cooper's 900th NHL game coached, but bad defense spoiled the fun. Here is everything we noticed from the Lightning's 5-4 loss to the Washington Capitals.
Brayden Point
Brayden Point continues to be one of the best offensive players for the Lightning, scoring a hat trick in tonight's game. Point was excellent both 5-on-5 and on the power play. Point was also in a new spot on the power play. Instead of being in the bumper, he was out on the wing, and it seemed to pay off with Point getting a few good looks.
Point's weirdest goal was his third one, which came courtesy of an own goal by Charlie Lindgren. It might not be the way Point drew it up, but it was definitely the funniest way to score a hat trick!
Second Period
The Lightning had a really solid first period, but from the start of the second, they looked flat. Often playing from behind, giving up odd-man rushes and a shorthanded goal. This was a momentum-changing period in this game. This has been an issue for the Lightning in the past, with the Second being the only period in which they have a negative goal differential. While not game-breaking, this is something the Lightning definitely want to iron out. Getting off to good starts and having them slip away can be very deflating and challenging on a team. Luckily, the Lightning did not give up untill the end, and Eyssimont got the Lightning their lead back on a nice, gritty goal.
Defense
The Defense has been a hot topic for the Lightning all season long, and it has been very hit-or-miss. Tonight was not a good night for the Lightning D core. While the first period was good, the second and third featured the Lightning losing steps on forwards, giving up odd-man rushes, and not covering opposing players.
The Lightning have got to find some consistency with this defense. As good as the 5-on-5 play has been, bad defense will catch up to you sooner or later. Despite all this, The Lightning currently holds a +14 goal differential, which is the best in the Atlantic, consistency will be key.
Cooper
We couldn't write this article without mentioning Jon Cooper hitting 900 NHL games. Cooper is the 9th coach in NHL history to hit 900 games with a single franchise and holds the second most wins in 900 games coached. Cooper is one of the best coaches in hockey, having only missed the postseason in his twenty-first full season as a head coach (including minors).
Cooper was asked about this achievement after the game, and his quote shows how much of a great coach he really is, and Lightning fans should enjoy every moment he is behind the bench.
"I came to Tampa to perform a job and, 900 games later, I'm in love with a city that I am never going to leave, so it's been a phenomenal experience for myself and my family and, hopefully, I get a whole bunch more"
Next up for the Lightning, they will head to Nashville for their game against the Nashville Predators. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 PM EST on Friday.
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