By Jake Ricker
The Tampa Bay Lightning looked to bounce back against the Fylers after what Jon Cooper called an inexcusable game against the Flames. Here is how they stacked up in last night's matchup.
Hagel-Point-Kucherov
Stamkos-Cirelli-Duclair
Eyssimont-Paul-Sheary
Motte-Glendening-Watson
Hedman-Raddysh
Perbix-Cernak
Fleury-Dumba
Vasilevskiy.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Lightning's 7-0 blowout win over the Flyers.
Special Teams
Special teams has had their ups and downs this year for the Lightning, but tonight it was fantastic. The Lightning went 3/3, and the power play went 3/4. Having good special teams play in the postseason is key and the Lightning had it tonight. Even the second unit on the power play got themselves involved with a goal of their own.
And Yes, the Flyers have an awful power play, but execution has to be there, and the Lightning did it to perfection. Hopefully, this will carry over into the Lightning's next game as they continue to make a push for the playoffs.
The New Guys
It can often be hard for players to get traded and quickly join a new team. Not for Anthony Duclair and Matt Dumba though! They both looked fantastic tonight and while it was only one game, it never hurts to get off on the right foot.
Starting with Dumba, who may not have been on the scoresheet but made an impact with his defense and a fight! The complaint about Dumba has always been that he can play with bite but often gives up big chances. Tonight he played hard and has solid on the defensive side of things.
As for Anthony Duclair, he did find his way onto the scoresheet with a goal and an assist. His chemistry with Stamkos looked very promising and could be just what the Lightning need not only to sure up the offense but also get Stamkos going 5-on-5. Raddysh
Have yourself a night, Darren Raddysh! With 5 assists in last night's game, Raddysh broke the Lightning franchise record for most points in a game by a defenseman. Not only was Raddysh's offense off the charts, but he was also great defensively.
While Raddysh doesn't have a ton of experience, the Lightning are going to need him to step up with younger guys joining the team and with potential injuries to players like Cernak, who left the game in the second period. Tonight was a perfect example of what he can do, even if it's half of last night's effort.
Vasilevskiy
Believe it or not vasilevskiy's play might go under the radar because of how good the Lightning looked. Vasilevskiy stopped 25 of 25 shots, earning himself a shutout. And while yes, a lot of these chances were not high danger, one's Vasilevskiy has not been himself lately, and it is good to see him get back to the Vasilevskiy we know and love. Hopefully, this will give him more confidence moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Cooper called their last game inexcusable... which it was. Tonight, they responded in a big way. So many things went right. Great defense, special team, Vasilevskiy shutout, new guys making plays, and the list goes on. The Lightning still have a lot of hockey left to be played, but this is the team that can make a run into the postseason. While it's hard to play perfectly every night, as long as they can come close to how they skated tonight, they should be just fine.
Now, with four days off again, hopefully, Cernak is ok and has time to rest up, and the lighting don't hit the reset button like last time.
Next game - Thursday, March 14th vs the New York Rangers inside Amalie Arean @7PM
Three Stars
Media's three-stars
1 Raddysh (5A)
2. Hedman (2G,1A)
3. Duclair (1G,1A)
Our three-stars
1. Raddysh (5A)
2. Vasilevskiy (0 GA)
3. Hedman (2G,1A)
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