By Jake Ricker
The Lightning took on the Chicago Blackhawks last night as they looked to continue their point streak. Victor Hedman would return to the lineup for the Lightning tonight after missing the last two games. Here are a few things we noticed from the win.
Brayden Point
Some have overlooked Brayden Point because of all the other talent around him. Tonight he again showed his unbelievable talent with two more goals. Point has now reached 42 goals on the season, which is the most in his career. Point just looks like he is on another level this season, as he is able to fly into the offensive zone and get himself into great scoring areas. Point has a real chance to hit 50 goals this season, and the Lightning will need him to continue his high scoring heading into the playoffs.
Brian Elliott
Elliott does not see a ton of action with Vasilevskiy carrying such a heavy load. Even though Elliott didn't have to make any huge saves, he played a great game overall. Chicago had a few good pushes in this game, and Elliott controlled the rebounds and shut down most of Chicago's chances. After allowing just one goal, Elliott picks up his 10th win of the season. The Lightning could still use Elliott down the stretch to try and make sure Vasilevskiy is well-rested for the playoffs.
Third Period Push
This was a pretty slow game overall, and the Lightning only had one goal going into the third period, and Chicago quickly tied it up. After that goal, the Lightning turned up the heat. They had sustained zone time and lots of quality chances. Peter Mrázek was able to hold off the Lightning for the majority of the period, but in the final 5 minutes, it became too much to handle. Brayden Point once again found himself in a great position and, after getting the pass from Kucherov, fired it into the back of the net.
While it may have been nice to see the Lightning cruze into the third with a big lead, you are going to have games where things don't always go according to plan. Tonight showed the Lightning could handle games where you had to grind it out all the way until the end. When the Lightning were in their most recent slump, there was a question of if they still had fight in them; after tonight, it sure looks like they got it back.
Final Thoughts
Again it wasn't the perfect game for the Lightning, but they continue to get their game back one step at a time. Brian Elliott was great in net, and Brayden Point continues his hot streak, now reaching 42 goals on the season. Sometimes you have to do whatever you can to get the win, and the Lightning did just that.
Stamkos left today's game after limping to the bench and then the locker room. Jon Cooper said after the game he was kept out for precautionary reasons and that he should be ok, which is great news for the Lightning.
Three Stars
Media’s three stars
1. Point (2G)
2. Elliott (22 SV, 1 GA)
3. Mrazek (34 SV, 2 GA)
Our three stars
1. Point (2G)
2. Elliott (22 SV, 1 GA)
3. Mrazek (34 SV, 2 GA)
The Lightning's next game will be against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, March 12th, at 7:00 PM ET.
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