By Jake Ricker
Last night, the Lightning would return home to take on the Dallas Stars. While the lighting got off to a good start, a flat second and third would cost them the game. Here is everything we noticed from the Lightning's 4-2 loss to the Dallas Stars.
Anthony Cirelli
Anthony Cirelli continues to stay hot, scoring not one but two goals in Saturday's game. Cirelli's two goals would extend his scoring streak to 5 games. Depth scoring was an issue for the Lightning last season outside of the top guys. If Cirelli can stay hot, it's going to be a huge help for the offense, taking pressure off guys like Nakita Kucherov.
Cirelli is already a fantastic defender, and the better he gets on offense, the better case he has for a potential Selke Trophy campaign. After the game, Coach Cooper had high praises for Cirelli saying "He was the best player on the ice for both teams... He's got heart. He works his ass off"
Defense
The defense has been a point of emphasis for the Lightning this season, and at times, it has looked improved. However, there are still nights like last night where the defensive flaws stand out. The Lightning surrendered multiple odd-man rushes on which the Stars were able to capitalize.
Ryan McDoughna and Eric Cernak had the worst games out of the D core against the stars, finishing the night as -2's. A Statement rarely made about McDoughna and can be looked at more of an off night than a concerning issue. Even Eric Cerank has not often found himself on this stat's minus side. As long as they can bounce back against Colorado, there shouldn't be too much cause for concern.
Third Period
Going into the final frame, the Lightning were tied with the Stars 2-2, but right out of the gate in the third, the Lightning looked flat. Meanwhile, the Stars seemed to have some extra pep, and it helped them create extra chances to win this game. While the Lightning had some chances of their own, they played from behind the majority of the third period. The Defense is still a work in progress and is much improved from last year, but the Lightning are still looking for that consistency when it comes to the backend of their game.
Cooper, after the game, stressed that the Lightning made too many passes and got too cute, and that was the difference in the game.
"One team tried to make six passes and put the puck in the net and turned it over and the other team made two passes and threw it in the net."
Next up for the Lightning, they will continue their homestand against the Colorado Avalanche. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM EST on Monday.
Want to start your journalism career by writing about the Tampa Bay Lightning? Send us a message via our contact form located in the upper right-hand corner under the more tab, or send us a message via Twitter to get started.
Comments