The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a whirlwind of a season already. It began with disruptions from hurricanes, which first canceled a preseason game and then postponed their highly anticipated home opener. And as soon as the team managed to hit the ice, they were thrust into an intense stretch of 13 games within just 24 days. However, after this grueling schedule, the Lightning (7-6-1) finally got a breather with a rare six-day break. Now, they’re back and ready to take on the NHL’s best team, the Winnipeg Jets (15-1-0), at Amalie Arena.
During their break, the Lightning took time to focus on fundamentals, recover from early season injuries, and put some critical practice time to good use. “There’s no question it was needed,” said head coach Jon Cooper. “It felt like we didn’t play forever, and then we played a whole bunch of games. So, it was good to get a little practice time in there.” These days off gave the team an opportunity to refocus, regroup, and set their sights on turning the season around after a challenging start. The extended break wasn’t just a luxury—it was a necessity.
Key Points to Watch as the Lightning Return to Play
-
The Uncertain Status of Brayden Point
- Brayden Point’s health has been a point of concern for the Lightning. After leaving the Nov. 3 game in Winnipeg following just six shifts, he hasn’t quite been the same. This is no small matter, as Point is one of the team’s top scorers, notching an impressive 97 goals over the past two seasons. He had been off to a hot start this season as well, with eight goals, including a team-high five power-play goals in just 12 games.
- However, his presence on the ice has been questionable. Point returned to practice briefly on Sunday but was later seen discussing his condition with team trainers. Following Wednesday’s practice, Coach Cooper stated there was no new update on his status, suggesting the team may need to adjust to life without Point for now. As Anthony Cirelli, who has stepped into Point’s role, said, “Everyone’s got to elevate their game a little bit. Obviously, you’re never going to replace a guy like Pointer.” Cirelli is now leading the charge on the top line, aiming to keep the Lightning competitive without their top center.
-
Renewed Attention to Detail and Simplified Strategy
- After their demanding schedule of away games, the Lightning finally got the chance to hone their skills and address some crucial areas for improvement. The team’s coaching staff took a back-to-basics approach, emphasizing special teams and line changes—two elements they rarely have time to work on amidst the intensity of back-to-back games. By honing in on these details, they’re looking to capitalize on their strengths and tighten up areas that have shown weakness in recent weeks.
- One area the Lightning focused on was their shot count. Ranking 28th in shots on goal with an average of just 26.9 per game, they knew they had to step it up. Coach Cooper expressed his frustration, saying the team had been “overcomplicating an uncomplicated game.” By stripping things down, the team is shifting to a mindset of getting the puck on the net more consistently. “We’ve just got to get away from the overpassing,” added Cirelli. The strategy is simple: beat one guy, shoot, and keep the opponent’s defense scrambling. Once they establish this rhythm, the Lightning can start unleashing their skill and creativity on the ice.
-
An Opportunity for Rising Star Gage Goncalves
- With Point’s status uncertain, the Lightning called up forward Gage Goncalves from AHL Syracuse. For Goncalves, this is a golden opportunity to make his mark in the NHL and contribute to a bottom-six unit that has been struggling offensively. Despite playing in only five of the Crunch’s 11 games, Goncalves is already tied for second in team scoring, showing he’s ready to bring some punch to the lineup.
- Goncalves was placed on the third line with Nick Paul and Mitchell Chaffee and is also slotted in as a power-play option, taking on a position in the right circle on the second unit. This versatility highlights his potential value to the Lightning, who are in need of depth scoring, especially as their only other scorer in the bottom six is rookie Conor Geekie. Goncalves seems primed to show he can handle the NHL’s demands and add some spark to the team. “Right now, my body feels good,” he said. “Getting more game-like situations and puck touches can only help.”
The Tough Task of Facing the League’s Best
Returning to play after a week off, the Lightning face a formidable opponent in the Winnipeg Jets, who currently lead the NHL in numerous categories. The Jets are averaging 4.56 goals per game, allowing only 2.13 goals against, and boasting a power-play success rate of 42.2%. These stats are intimidating, but the Lightning are prepared to meet the challenge head-on and determined to end their four-game losing streak.
Captain Victor Hedman sees hope in the team’s recent performances. “Overall, we’ve been in every single game,” Hedman said. “It would have been worse if we had been blown out... but we still have done some good things, especially early on in the first periods.” Hedman’s optimism suggests the Lightning aren’t far off from stringing together a winning stretch. The key, according to him, is keeping their energy and focus up for the entire 60 minutes—something they’ll need against a Jets team that punishes even the smallest mistakes.
Road Ahead and Key Adjustments
The Lightning’s recent break has allowed them not only to heal but to recalibrate. The emphasis on keeping things simple, cutting down on passes, and focusing on getting the puck to the net may be exactly what they need to regain momentum. The players have adopted a “grind it out” mentality, recognizing that not every goal needs to be a highlight-reel play. Instead, they’re ready to dig in and push for the gritty, hard-earned goals that can turn the tide in their favor.
Moreover, the Jets’ league-best status is a high benchmark for the Lightning. But the team has repeatedly proven its resilience in tough situations. Facing the Jets will be a test of the Lightning’s newly implemented strategies, their ability to rally without Point, and the potential contributions of new players like Goncalves. If the Lightning can execute their game plan, they may just pull off an upset that reinvigorates their season.
In sum, the Lightning’s break came at the perfect time. They’re recharged, refocused, and ready to confront the challenges ahead. As they return to action, all eyes will be on Point’s status, Goncalves’ NHL debut, and the team’s ability to adjust under pressure. The upcoming matchups will reveal whether these adjustments were enough to propel them back into form and ignite a powerful run into the season’s heart.
Login