By Jake Ricker
The Tampa Bay Lightning looked to bounce back against the Pittsburg Penguins after losing their last two games. Here is how they stacked up.
Stamkos - Point - Kucherov
Hagel - Cirelli - Eyssimont
Jeannot - Paul - Barré-Boulet
Koepke - Glendening - Motte
Hedman - Perbix
Sergachev - Cernak
de Haan - Raddysh
Vasilevskiy
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Lightning's 4-1 loss to the Penguins.
First Period
The Lightning came out in this game in full force. They had 11 shots in the first half of the period. They were fast, aggressive, and sound defensively, limiting the Penguins to just 5. Even once the Lightning started to get the puck in the back of the net, they never slowed down. The Lightning would score twice in the period and take a commanding 2-0 lead into the intermission. Unfortunately, the Lightning would not play another period like this.
Turnovers
One of the biggest issues in this game was the turnovers. Both goals that the Penguins scored to tie the game came off turnovers. One was by Kucherov, who tried to hold the puck for a little too long and had it stolen at the blue line. Credit to the Penguins, they capitalized and went on to score 4 unanswered goals.
The Turnovers have been an issue for the Lightning all season long, and they continue to prove to be costly. This is something they need to address moving forward. They don't need to eliminate turnovers, they are going to happen, but they need to eliminate the ones happening that put them in bad spots.
Even Strength Play
The Lightning have scored just one even-strength goal in their last three games. This just won't cut it. The Lightning are generating chances, they had 41 shots on goal. Whether it's trying to create more quality chances or just needing some puck luck, it's hard to say, but this is certainly one of the main issues for the Lightning right now.
Final thoughts
Lightning got off to an excellent start tonight, but everything went downhill from there. This is a talented group, but bad turnovers have killed them this year. No, it's not time to blow it all up. The season isn't over, but the Lightning are certainly struggling.
Three Stars
Media's three-stars
1. Jarry (37 SV, 1G)
2. Crosby (1G)
3. Stamkos (1G)
Our three-stars
1. Jarry (37 SV, 1G)
2. Crosby (1G)
3. Neito (1A)
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