Tampa BAE Lightning: Game 49

For the 2nd time in 4 days, the Tampa Bay Lightning will play the Chicago Blackhawks likely for the final time this season. Since there hasn’t really been any big changes since we last played there’s not much need to deep dive here.

You’ll remember 4 days ago the Bolts needed a furious last second come back and a power play in OT to beat the Hawks—you know the team that ranks in the bottom of most every statistical category except for Special Teams—yeah that team.

Following that game, the Bolts then went out and got beat by Detroit in their first shutout loss since 2023. The Blackhawks lost at home to the Wild.

Tonight is about as much of a must win as you can get. You need the points badly. You’ve had 2 days off. You’re at home. You get the last change. By all accounts, the Bolts should win this easily.

What’s the key? Score first. In their wins, the Bolts scored first about 70% of the time. Keep doing that. Cooper’s system is predicated on good defense and cashing in when the breaks present themselves. That’s so much harder to do when you don’t score first.

*touches earpiece* Wait, I’m being told Kucherov took a weird dive in the morning skate and left early while Vasy didn’t participate at all, but Gabby Shirley said he should be starting so we will see.

Let’s do that hockey. Shoutout to old friend Pat Maroon.

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