Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the NHL playoffs earlier this week. This series went the full seven games as neither team could gain enough momentum for back-to-back wins until the final two.

In Game 1, the Red Wings defeated the Lightning, 3-2. In Game 2, Tampa Bay won with a score of 5-1. The victory for Game 3 went back to the Red Wings, where goalie Petr Mrazek was able to shutout the Lightning. The Red Wings won, 3-0. In Game 4, the Lightning defeated Detroit, 3-2. Detroit had similar results to Game 3 in Game 5, where Mrazek was able to execute another shutout. In Game 6, the Lightning came out victorious with a final score of 5-2. In Game 7, the Lightning were able to repeat success, winning the game 2-0. Lightning goalie, Ben Bishop made 31 saves in the final game. Defensemen Braydon Coburn scored the game winning goal and defensemen Anton Stralman followed that up with the game-sealing goal.

Despite being the second leading scorer in the NHL’s regular season (43 goals), Lightning Center Steven Stamkos was shutout from scoring in the Detroit series. With so much focus on defending him from Tampa Bay’s opponents, opportunities have opened for other Lightning players to make big plays, not just in the Detroit series, but throughout the season. With a strong combination of young, energetic players and experienced veterans including recent player acquisitions, the Lightning are in a good position to continue advancing through the playoffs.

The Lightning begin the second round of the playoffs on Friday vs. the Montreal Canadiens. The Lightning went 5-0 when facing the Canadiens in the regular season this year. Bishop was in goal for each of these five matchups. Each team had to work hard to earn its place here playing past the first round. The biggest key to victory for the Lightning is to keep Stamkos and Bishop playing at their full potential.