The Tampa Bay Lightning (37-29-9, 83 points) are hanging on by their fingernails. With seven games left in the 2016-17 NHL season, they find themselves entrenched in a heated battle with the Boston Bruins (40-30-6, 86 points) and New York Islanders (35-28-12, 82pts) for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. This week, the Lightning fight for their lives in front of their home faithful against three hurdles in the form of the Detroit Red Wings (31-33-12), Montreal Canadiens (43-24-9), and Dallas Stars (31-34-11). To become a contender, the Bolts will need to claim all of the six possible points this week. To come away with anything less could be catastrophic to their playoff hopes. Can the Lightning pull off some late season magic? Let’s take a look at the week ahead with Crashing The Net!
Last Week:
Arizona Coyotes (27-41-9)
When: Tuesday, March 21st – 7:30PM
Result: Loss
Score: 5-3
Shots: 39-35 TBL
Power Play: 0/4
Penalty Kill: 2/2
Key Moment: Things were looking good for the Lightning heading into the third period of Tuesday night’s contest against the Coyotes. That was until the wheel of the Tampa Bay wagon not fell, but flew off. Miscues and defensive lapses led to three Arizona goals to seal this one up for the Bolts. With the point race as close as it is, this was one the Lightning needed to win and were unable to pull it off.
Boston Bruins (40-30-6)
When: Thursday, March 23rd – 7:00PM
Result: Win
Score: 6-3
Shots: 31-29 BOS
Power Play: 2/5
Penalty Kill: 3/4
Key Moment: On a three-game losing streak, the Lightning desperately needed to get back on track. Thursday night, they were able to do just that on the will of forward Nikita Kucherov. Heading into the third with a tie game, Kucherov put this one out of the Bruins’ reach with his second and third goal of the night.
Detroit Red Wings (31-32-12)
When: Friday, March 24th – 7:30PM
Result: OT Win
Score: 2-1
Shots: 32-30 TBL
Power Play: 0/4
Penalty Kill: 5/5
Key Moment: These two divisional rivals put on a spectacle in their last-ever meeting at Joe Louis Arena. It would take overtime to decide this one, and who other than Kucherov to once again flourish in the spotlight this week. At the 3:28 mark of extra time, Kucherov deflected a pass from Brayden Point to help his club snatch an extra point in the standings.
This Monday:
Chicago Blackhawks (49-21-7)
When: Monday, March 27th – 7:30PM
Result: OT Win
Score: 5-4
Shots: 32-30 TBL
Power Play: 2/3
Penalty Kill: 3/3
Key Moment: Call it a comeback. Down 4-1 in the second period, the Lightning fought their way back to tie this one and take it into overtime. In a game filled with key moments, this one will go to the overtime winner scored by Tampa Bay’s Yanni Gourde. This tally not only won the game, but also completed one of the most exciting comebacks in Lightning history.
Lightning Statistics From Last Week/This Monday:
Games Played: 4
Wins: 3
Losses: 1
Points: 6 out of 8
Goals For: 16
Goals Allowed: 13
Power Play: 4/15 = 26.6%
Penalty Kill: 13/14 = 92.8%
Upcoming Games:
Detroit Red Wings (31-33-12)
Where: Amalie Arena, Florida
When: Thursday, March 30th – 7:30PM
Where to Watch: SunS, FSD
The Lightning suit up for their fifth and final meeting with the Red Wings this season. Detroit is currently finishing up a season that has seen their impressive playoff streak come to an end. This year, Tampa Bay has had Detroit’s number as they have won all four previous meetings with the most recent coming last week in a stunning overtime contest. Since that defeat, the Red Wings have won two of their last three, and with the pressure off their back, are playing to be Tampa Bay’s spoiler.
The Reminiscence of Last Week
While we’ve looked at Detroit’s mediocre statistical numbers this season, one should still consider what this game means to them. The Lightning have terrorized the Red Wings the last three years. They’ve knocked them out of the playoffs twice, they’re ran by someone who Detroit would love in their front office in Steve Yzerman, and this year they’re on the verge of being swept by the boys in blue. In my humble opinion, Detroit has to absolutely hate the Lightning. With this game, they could hang onto the Bolts’ ankles as they slip into the offseason. Look for the Red Wings to come out with even more passion than they had the other four matchups. For the Lightning to come away with this one, they’ll need to protect their goaltender and strike on any opportunities given. Look for this one to be a slobber-knocker.
Montreal Canadiens (42-24-9)
Where: Amalie Arena, Florida
When: Saturday, April 1st – 7:00PM
Where to Watch: SunS, CBC
The Lightning continue on their week against another divisional rival in the Canadiens. Montreal is desperately trying to hold onto the Atlantic Division lead as the season winds down, but the Ottawa Senators (41-25-9) are chomping at their ankles. Led by captain Max Pacioretty (34G, 29A), the Canadiens have won four of their last six with three of those victories at the expense of the above-mentioned Senators. Ottawa better throw some good vibes Tampa Bay’s way as the Lightning and Canadiens face off two more times this season. The series so far has been split at one game apiece, but with the added stakes in the point race, these two teams should be at one another’s throat to win the remaining two.
They’re Not Laughing At This Carey
Montreal’s star goaltender Carey Price (35W, 2.23 GAA, .924 Sv%) is once again having another excellent year. He has positioned his club in an optimal situation, having let in an insignificant 129 goals this season. This has placed the Canadiens in the top 10 in goals against and helped their penalty kill elevate from the struggles they faced last year. These games against Montreal have proven to be a grind and with a key grinder named Brian Boyle no longer on the team, the Lightning’s youth will have to get their hands dirty.
Dallas Stars (31-33-11)
Where: Amalie Arena, Florida
When: Sunday, April 2nd – 6:00PM
Where to Watch: SunS, FSSW+
To finish off the week, Tampa Bay faces the Dallas Stars on Sunday night. This will be the final of two matchups between these clubs in a season that has seen the Stars fade into obscurity. Dallas’ miscues have taken center stage and have given them a 5-7 record in March play. Lackluster goaltending, high penalty minutes, and a bottom-rankeed penalty kill have ransacked the Stars’ opportunities, leaving them scratching their heads at what was once considered a promising season.
The Need For Speed
Similar to the last time these teams faced, Dallas forwards Jamie Benn (25G, 42A) and Tyler Seguin (25G, 45A) have had quite a year. They have gifted their team to an above average ranking in goals scored and are the stuff of goalies’ nightmares. Combined with the Stars’ wheel-burning speed, this will be like looking into the mirror for the Lightning. For them to be successful, they’ll need to attack that sluggish Dallas penalty kill and manage the Stars’ speed with their own. Look for this one to be a race of who can score the most before the game ends.
