Tag: Tampa Bay Lightning

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Lightning wrap up a hectic month with a game against the Kings in Tampa

Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

As the 4-Nations Face-Off tournament and the upcoming break in February approach, the Tampa Bay Lightning are hoping for some stability as January wraps up.

After playing 15 games in 27 days, the Lightning will finish a difficult January on Thursday night with a home game against the Los Angeles Kings.

The Lightning have a record of 6-8-1 in January, and they’ve been struggling with a 1-4-0 record in their last five games. This includes a 2-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday and a 4-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Because of this slide, the Lightning have dropped from third place in the Atlantic Division to the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Things are not looking good in downtown Tampa despite the team’s strong 15-7-1 record at home.

“There’s not a magic potion of what you’re going to say that makes anybody feel better,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “Guys are frustrated. Sometimes you have to let them breathe, take a breath and circle back tomorrow. We get to have a practice. I think we’ve had two in the whole month.”

The team was without their top goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (illness) for the game against Chicago, which was a must-win situation for Tampa Bay. Despite a 34-save performance from Chicago’s goalie Arvid Soderblom, Brayden Point scored his team-leading 28th goal with an assist from Nikita Kucherov, who reached 74 points in 47 games.

Los Angeles Kings (NHL)

Captain Victor Hedman will play his 1,100th game on Thursday.

The Kings, on the other hand, lost 3-0 to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, making them 0-2-1 on their five-game road trip.

However, Los Angeles received some good news when veteran defenseman Drew Doughty made his season debut. Doughty had missed the first 47 games of the season after breaking his left ankle in the preseason.

Doughty will help improve the Kings’ power play, which ranks 29th in the league, but Kings coach Jim Hiller is managing expectations for him as he works his way back.

“We want to keep the expectations realistic for him,” Hiller said. “It’s going to take a little time for him to get into form, but we’re happy. We’re starting the process. It has been a long time, but the guys have done a really good job in his absence.”

Jordan Spence, a defenseman from Australia, has been performing well lately, with four points (one goal and three assists) in his last six games.

Forward Adrian Kempe has been productive for the Kings, scoring seven goals this month.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Cam Talbot Stops 28 Shots As Detroit Shuts Out Tampa Bay 2-0 At Little Caesars Arena

Talbot posts 28-save shutout against the Lightning

Cam Talbot made 28 saves for his 33rd NHL shutout, leading the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.

“I thought we defended well, but your goaltender has to be your best player every night, and (Talbot) was that tonight,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said.

“We lost 5-1 in Tampa 10 days ago, which wasn’t on Cam at all, but I knew he wanted this one.”

This marked the first time the Lightning had been shut out since a 5-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Nov. 14, 2023.

“We need to put the puck in the open net,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “Let’s be honest – that’s what we missed.

The goalie made some spectacular saves, but we had two six-by-fours where it was shocking to miss. I think the whole building was shocked those didn’t go in.”

Marco Kasper and Michael Rasmussen scored for Detroit (23-21-5), who have now won two games in a row after a three-game losing streak. Talbot earned his second shutout of the season.

“Tonight proves we can win games any way we need to right now,” Talbot said. “We can put five or six on the board or we can make one stand up.”

Andrei Vasilevskiy made 29 saves for the Lightning (26-19-3), who won 4-3 in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

“We lost three of four on this road trip, which is unacceptable,” Cooper said. “But if I rewind and think about how we played, there are a couple games where I’m awestruck we didn’t get any points. It’s clear we are a little snakebit.”

Nikita Kucherov had his point streak ended at 11 games. He finished with a game-high seven shots on goal and hit the post late in the first period.

Kasper deflects the puck into the cage

Kasper scored at 9:55 of the second period, spinning to tip J.T. Compher’s pass in off the post.

“We’re winning games, which gives everyone some confidence,” said Kasper, who has eight points (five goals, three assists) in nine games. “It’s fun when the puck goes in, but winning games is all we are trying to do.”

Talbot stopped Brayden Point from the slot with 1:53 left, with the puck disappearing into his gear. After a search by the officials, it was found inside his right leg pad.

“That’s a team with a lot of winning pedigree over there, and they know how to pull out these tight games,” Talbot said. “Sometimes you just have to weather the storm and get lucky, and that’s what we did tonight.”

Talbot also made a pad save on Anthony Cirelli’s rebound attempt, and Victor Hedman missed an open net before Rasmussen scored into the empty net at 19:32.

“We had some great looks, especially at 6-on-5, but (Talbot) made some saves and I missed a wide-open net,” Hedman said.

“It’s disappointing to come out of here with no points, but we probably played a lot better today than we did yesterday. That’s just how the game goes.”

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Canadiens Reflect on Struggles, Aim to Address Weaknesses Following Loss to Red Wings

Canadiens Reflect on Struggles, Aim to Address Weaknesses Following Loss to Red Wings
Canadiens Reflect on Struggles, Aim to Address Weaknesses Following Loss to Red Wings

The Montreal Canadiens’ performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning may have resulted in a win, but it came with an honest assessment. Acknowledging they were outplayed, with only four high-danger scoring chances compared to Tampa Bay’s 21, the Canadiens recognized the improbability of repeating such a result without major improvements. Coach Martin St. Louis and key players openly admitted that their effort, categorized as a “B-game,” was insufficient to sustain consistent success. This candid self-awareness set the stage for evaluating their subsequent matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, where similar issues resurfaced.

Thursday’s loss to the Detroit Red Wings was a harsh reminder of the Canadiens’ struggles. Falling behind 2-0 in the first period and trailing 17-4 in shots highlighted a continuation of their previous shortcomings. By the 24th minute, they were down 3-0, a deficit that proved insurmountable. Despite a late push, the Canadiens fell 4-2, a result fueled by poor execution and an inability to adapt. The team’s comments after the game reflected accountability, with defenseman Mike Matheson and center Kirby Dach pointing to execution issues that undermined their efforts against a desperate opponent like Detroit.

Canadiens Reflect on Struggles, Aim to Address Weaknesses Following Loss to Red Wings
Canadiens Reflect on Struggles, Aim to Address Weaknesses Following Loss to Red Wings

Practice Limitations and Mounting Fatigue

Part of the Canadiens’ struggle can be attributed to limited practice opportunities. Their first session in 10 days, held just before the Detroit game, lacked intensity due to the absence of five regular players. St. Louis described it as feeling like a youth hockey practice, underscoring the challenge of reinforcing fundamentals under such conditions. Additionally, a grueling post-Christmas schedule — featuring 11 road games in 26 days — has left the team fatigued. While rest has been valuable, as evidenced by their impressive 10-2-1 record over that stretch, the lack of high-quality practice time has hindered their ability to address mounting issues.

The Canadiens’ recent performances exposed critical weaknesses in their game. Sloppy puck management, lack of offensive zone time, and an underperforming special teams unit were key factors in the Detroit loss. The power play faltered, and the penalty kill was inconsistent, emphasizing the need for refinement during practice. St. Louis praised Detroit’s urgency and execution, noting his team’s inability to match those attributes, particularly in the first half of the game. He admitted that the Canadiens were often “one and done” offensively, struggling to generate sustained pressure or momentum.

Canadiens Reflect on Struggles, Aim to Address Weaknesses Following Loss to Red Wings
Canadiens Reflect on Struggles, Aim to Address Weaknesses Following Loss to Red Wings

The Road Ahead: Urgency for Improvement

The Canadiens face significant challenges as they prepare for their next game against the New Jersey Devils. With Friday slated as a rest day, there’s limited time to address the fundamental issues evident in recent games. Practice sessions will be crucial for regaining consistency, especially as the team strives to sharpen its penalty kill, reinvigorate the power play, and improve overall execution under pressure. The Canadiens’ ability to self-reflect and make adjustments has been a hallmark of their season, but it will take more than honest evaluations to regain their early-season form.

Despite the recent setbacks, the Canadiens remain confident in their ability to bounce back. Dach expressed optimism, noting the team’s growth and maturity in handling adversity. While the loss to Detroit allowed division rivals to gain ground, the Canadiens have demonstrated resilience, losing consecutive games only once since December. To maintain their position in a tightly contested playoff race, they must build on their self-awareness and implement tangible changes on the ice. Their response in the coming games will reveal whether they can translate lessons learned into the consistent, high-level play necessary for long-term success.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Lightning Overcome Late Deficit with Kucherov’s OT Winner, Boost Playoff Push

Lightning Overcome Late Deficit with Kucherov’s OT Winner, Boost Playoff Push
Lightning Overcome Late Deficit with Kucherov’s OT Winner, Boost Playoff Push

The Tampa Bay Lightning entered the final 20 minutes of regulation at the United Center Friday night facing a critical challenge. Trailing the Chicago Blackhawks by a goal, the Lightning desperately needed a win on the road to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Their January struggles away from Amalie Arena had placed them in a tight battle for positioning. The team’s resolve was tested as they aimed to overcome frustrations from recent games where they felt their performances deserved better outcomes.

Dramatic Third-Period Turnaround

The third period saw the Lightning dominate the ice, outshooting the Blackhawks 17-1 and keeping them hemmed in their own zone. Despite their efforts, Chicago’s goaltender, Arvid Soderblom, made 36 saves, keeping the Lightning at bay until the final minute. A pivotal tripping penalty drawn by Brandon Hagel gave the Lightning a power play opportunity with just over two minutes remaining. Lightning coach Jon Cooper then pulled goaltender Jonas Johansson to create a 6-on-4 advantage, leading to Jake Guentzel’s crucial tying goal with just 40.8 seconds left on the clock.

Lightning Overcome Late Deficit with Kucherov’s OT Winner, Boost Playoff Push
Lightning Overcome Late Deficit with Kucherov’s OT Winner, Boost Playoff Push

The energy carried into overtime, where the Lightning capitalized on a 4-on-3 power play. Nick Paul had drawn a tripping penalty just before regulation ended, giving Tampa Bay the advantage to start the extra period. The Lightning maintained possession throughout, and less than a minute into overtime, Nikita Kucherov scored the game-winning goal. Assisted by Victor Hedman, Kucherov’s powerful one-timer from the right dot sealed the 4-3 victory, sparking jubilation on the Lightning bench and silencing the United Center crowd.

Team Resilience and Morale Boost

The victory was a testament to the Lightning’s resilience, particularly after a frustrating 3-2 loss to Montreal just days earlier. Defensive lapses had left Tampa Bay trailing 3-1 late in the second period against Chicago, but Nick Paul’s timely goal with 3.3 seconds left in the period shifted momentum. The team returned to the dressing room with renewed confidence and executed a disciplined, straightforward strategy in the third period. This victory was especially crucial as the team faced the second game of a back-to-back against Detroit the following night.

Coach Jon Cooper and defenseman Ryan McDonagh highlighted the importance of staying disciplined and simplifying their game during high-pressure situations. McDonagh emphasized that their dominant third period was not about flashy plays but about maintaining possession, creating traffic, and taking shots at the net. The win not only boosted the team’s morale but also demonstrated the effectiveness of playing within their structure. With the Lightning now back in third place in the Atlantic Division, they aim to build on this success as they continue their challenging schedule and push toward the playoffs.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Matthews keeps scoring as Maple Leafs beat Lightning 5-3 for third straight win in Toronto

Matthews rushes the net and whips it past Johansson to put the Maple Leafs on the board in the 1st

Auston Matthews scored for the fourth game in a row and also had an assist in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday at Scotiabank Arena.

This goal was Matthews’ eighth in his last nine games since coming back after missing six games because of an upper-body injury.

“It’s been feeling better each night,” Matthews said. “Just getting back in a rhythm and playing every night helps me settle back into the season after the time off. Our line has been playing well, chasing pucks, attacking offensively, and being solid defensively, so we want to keep this momentum going.”

Matthew Knies scored two goals and got one assist, while Mitch Marner had one goal and two assists for the Maple Leafs (30-16-2), who have won three games in a row and eight out of their last 11. Goalie Joseph Woll made 27 saves.

“Our first period was really good,” said Toronto coach Craig Berube. “We came out with the right mindset. I thought we played a strong first period. Tampa Bay pushed back in the second, getting some good chances, but Woll was great. I liked our game overall.”

Nick Paul scored twice, Darren Raddysh had one goal and one assist, and Nikita Kucherov had an assist, extending his point streak to nine games for the Lightning (25-17-3). Tampa Bay had won two straight games and five of the last seven. Victor Hedman recorded two assists, and goalie Jonas Johansson made 23 saves.

“We’ve talked about starting well for a while, and it’s tough when you’re chasing the game,” said Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper. “We’ve been playing two-period games lately, sometimes getting away with it, but not tonight. Against a good team like Toronto, you won’t get away with that.”

Matthews gave Toronto a 1-0 lead at 4:06 of the first period when he scored on a 2-on-1 with Marner. Matthews shot between Johansson’s legs from just below the left face-off circle. This goal marked Matthews’ fifth in his four-game streak.

Woll kept the lead at 1-0 with a glove save on Paul’s shot from the right face-off circle at 12:42 of the first period. Then, at 36 seconds into the second period, he stopped Victor Hedman’s shot from the high slot with his right pad.

Paul redirects it past Woll to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 2nd

“Woll played great,” said William Nylander. “He made a couple of huge saves early to keep us in the lead.”

Nylander made it 2-0 for the Maple Leafs at 13:45 of the second period when he scored on a breakaway, shooting blocker side for his fourth goal in three games.

Paul answered for Tampa Bay, making it 2-1 at 16:07 by deflecting a shot from Raddysh.

Knies extended Toronto’s lead to 3-1 at 19:37 of the second period when he beat the Lightning defense, received a pass from Marner, and shot past Johansson’s blocker from the slot.

“I thought our start was much better tonight than in some of our previous games,” Matthews said. “It’s a good team, and they weren’t going to quit. I’m happy with how we responded after giving up goals.”

Matthews almost scored a “Michigan”-style goal at 3:38 of the third period. He attempted a lacrosse-style shot but Johansson quickly blocked it with his right shoulder.

“I didn’t see any other option,” Matthews explained. “The puck was rolling, and it was the start of the period, so my tape was fresh. I almost had it. I stopped attempting those a few years ago, but I thought it was worth a try.”

Raddysh made it 3-2 at 8:07 with a shot through traffic from the top of the right circle.

“We got ourselves behind,” Paul said. “We played well in the second period, but they ended up scoring more, especially at the end of the period. We fought back, but we have to learn how to finish, starting with a better first period.”

Knies made it 4-2 for Toronto at 10:09 with a power-play goal, after picking up a rebound from Marner’s shot and scoring past Johansson’s left pad.

“The first time I was here, it was an adjustment to playing against bigger and stronger players, but practicing with our guys has helped me improve, and my net-front play is getting better,” Knies said.

Paul scored again for Tampa Bay on the power play at 12:05, redirecting a shot from Brandon Hagel to make it 4-3. However, Marner sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 18:55, giving the Maple Leafs a 5-3 victory.

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Penguins Game Incident Sparks Outrage as Man Grabs Puck Meant for Young Fan

Penguins Game Incident Sparks Outrage as Man Grabs Puck Meant for Young Fan
Penguins Game Incident Sparks Outrage as Man Grabs Puck Meant for Young Fan

A viral incident at a Pittsburgh Penguins game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 12 sparked outrage among fans after an older man grabbed a puck meant for a young boy in the crowd. The incident began when a puck went into the netting during the second period, and the boy attempted to bring it down by shaking the glass boards. However, as the puck fell, the man stepped in and claimed it for himself, much to the dismay of the audience, who began booing loudly.

The situation escalated further after a Penguins player’s wife noticed the boy’s disappointment and provided him with another puck, leading to cheers from the crowd. This response upset the man, resulting in a heated verbal exchange between him and the boy’s mother. The confrontation appeared to grow more physical when the boy’s mother raised her arm in reaction, and fans in the arena took sides in the dispute, further heightening tensions.

Penguins Game Incident Sparks Outrage as Man Grabs Puck Meant for Young Fan
Penguins Game Incident Sparks Outrage as Man Grabs Puck Meant for Young Fan

According to Kevin Acklin, the Penguins’ president of business operations, there are “two sides to the story.” He clarified in an interview with CBS that the man gave the puck to his teenage granddaughter after catching it. Acklin described the entire incident as an unfortunate misunderstanding fueled by the passion of the fans, which eventually spiraled out of control. The older man was ultimately escorted out of the building.

Acklin noted that the situation overshadowed the game, even distracting fans and players during a critical moment when Tampa scored. He also commended the Penguins staff for their handling of the incident and revealed that the organization has since reached out to both families involved, each of whom felt justified in their actions. He characterized the incident as a regrettable display of emotions running high among passionate hockey fans.

The incident underscores the charged atmosphere that can arise in competitive sports, where emotions and loyalties sometimes boil over. Acklin highlighted the organization’s commitment to resolving the matter amicably and expressed gratitude for their staff’s quick response in managing the unexpected conflict. Despite the commotion, the Penguins aimed to maintain a welcoming environment for all attendees moving forward.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Ducks bring confidence into matchup against Lightning in Anaheim

Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

The Anaheim Ducks have been on a roll recently, taking down some of the NHL’s top teams, and they’ll have another shot at a win on Sunday when the Tampa Bay Lightning wrap up their three-game road trip in California.

During their recent three-game winning streak, the Ducks have been powered by right winger Troy Terry. In his fourth full NHL season in 2021-22, Terry had a breakout year, scoring 37 goals and adding 30 assists, totaling 67 points in 75 games. He has continued to perform well, currently leading the team with 13 goals, 18 assists, and 31 points.

Terry plays on the top line alongside left winger Frank Vatrano and center Ryan Strome. Over the last five games, Terry has contributed four goals and two assists, including the overtime winner against Winnipeg on Thursday. This helped the Ducks extend their winning streak to three games, beating the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, and Jets.

The Ducks have shown resilience this season, coming back to win seven games in the third period and overcoming multi-goal deficits four times, ranking second in the league.

“The difference this year, when we go down a goal there with two minutes left, we have a little bit more swagger and confidence that we’re OK and can still tie this game up,” Terry said. “No matter where the game is at, we have confidence in the group that we can pull it off.”

However, their streak ended on Friday when the Ducks erased a two-goal deficit against Edmonton only to lose 3-2 after Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winner with 95 seconds remaining.

Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

Vatrano has nine goals and 11 assists this season, while Strome has seven goals and 14 assists.

As for the Lightning, they’ve won five straight games against the Ducks, including eight of the last nine, but enter Sunday’s game on a three-game losing streak. Sunday’s match will be the second of back-to-back games for the Lightning, who lost 2-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. They are 2-2-0 in the second game of back-to-backs this season.

Victor Hedman, who took a puck to the ear on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, scored the Lightning’s only goal in the loss to the Kings. Hedman has five goals and 24 assists so far this season.

“It’s frustrating, I felt like we were tilting the ice,” Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh said. “It’s tough to think of a moral victory at this point in the season.”

Top goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been struggling lately, losing three of his last four games. As a result, Jonas Johansson is expected to start against the Ducks.

Johansson has been a solid replacement for Vasilevskiy, though he lost his most recent start 5-2 to the Montreal Canadiens. Prior to that, Johansson posted a .966 save percentage in wins over the Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, and Florida Panthers.

Johansson is 4-2-1 this season with a 3.36 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.

On Sunday, defenseman Erik Cernak will play in his 400th NHL game and is just three points away from hitting the 100-point milestone in his career.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning grab attention with back-to-back victories over top teams

Tampa Bay Lightning players celebrates after a goal

The Los Angeles Kings have had a fantastic home record this season, making Crypto.com Arena a lively place almost every time they play. On Saturday, they will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that has celebrated more than any other team this decade.

The Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021 and reached the Final again in 2022, nearly becoming the first team to win three straight titles since the New York Islanders won four in a row from 1980 to 1983.

However, the past two seasons have seen the Lightning exit in the first round, just like the Kings, who have also struggled in the past three seasons.

While the Kings decided to part ways with Pierre-Luc Dubois after just one season, the Lightning said goodbye to their longtime captain, Steven Stamkos. Both teams also lost an important defenseman (Matt Roy for the Kings and Mikhail Sergachev for the Lightning).

This season, the Lightning are competing in an Atlantic Division where the last three playoff spots are separated by only four points, and the top five teams are within 10 points of each other, the smallest gap in any division.

The Kings are also fighting for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division, where they, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Vegas Golden Knights have been the top three teams in the NHL by points percentage since November 12.

A big part of the Kings’ success has been their penalty kill, which played a key role in shutting out the New Jersey Devils 3-0 in their most recent game. The Kings killed all six penalties they took, and opponents have often commented on their mix of aggression and discipline on the penalty kill.

Tampa Bay Lightning and San Jose Sharks

Since allowing six power-play goals in two games on October 14 and 16, the Kings have had the second-best penalty-kill percentage in the NHL. Their aggressive new system has been effective but requires a lot of energy, quick decisions, and strong stick play.

“It’s difficult to go against that type of penalty kill, but it’s equally as difficult to penalty kill that way. It requires a ton of energy, a ton of quick reads and, most importantly, a very good stick,” Kings coach Jim Hiller said.

“Primarily, it’s (Joel) Edmundson, (Vladislav) Gavrikov and (Mikey) Anderson … I’m really proud of those three [defensemen] in particular, they do a lot of work there and they have really bought in and understood how that system works.”

The Kings’ penalty kill could get even better with reports suggesting that forwards Trevor Moore and Trevor Lewis are close to returning from their injuries. Moore hasn’t played since December 12, and Lewis has been out since November 30, when he was injured during his 999th career game.

If Lewis plays on Saturday, he will receive his Silver Stick for playing 1,000 NHL games. Moore had five points in five games before his injury and could return either for Saturday’s game or the one against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.

“The team’s been buzzing, so I’m looking forward to joining them and to just keep rolling,” Moore told Kings media personality Zach Dooley.

Tampa Bay’s top players have been consistently productive for years. Nikita Kucherov, the team’s top scorer, was ranked fourth in the league in points before Friday’s games. The newest addition to the Lightning’s core is former Pittsburgh star Jake Guentzel, who is on track to surpass a point-per-game pace for the fifth time in six seasons.

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The Sharks broke their 8-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Lightning in San Jose

San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning

Mario Ferraro scored the game-winning goal and had a fight, while Marc-Edouard Vlasic marked his return with a point as the San Jose Sharks ended an eight-game losing streak, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Thursday.

This victory ended the Sharks’ 0-7-1 stretch, and they managed to beat the Lightning for only the third time in the past 14 matchups (3-10-1).

Ferraro gave San Jose a 2-0 lead in the second period after a fight with Mitchell Chaffee earlier in the frame. Tyler Toffoli scored his team-leading 15th goal for the Sharks.

Vlasic made his season debut after recovering from an upper-back injury that kept him out of training camp and the first 40 games. In his 1,297th career game, the 19-year veteran assisted on Toffoli’s goal.

Collin Graf made his season debut, playing left wing with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith on the second line. Luke Kunin played in his 400th game.

Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

In goal, San Jose’s Yaroslav Askarov made 24 saves, outplaying Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy, who had 23 saves. Anthony Cirelli scored the only goal for the Lightning, and Jake Guentzel returned from a one-game injury absence.

The Sharks’ young players brought a lot of energy in the first period, showing a better effort than their 8-1 loss in Tampa on Dec. 5, where the Lightning led 5-0 after the first period.

Askarov made seven early saves, including a crucial stop on Conor Geekie, before Toffoli scored at 13:52, dragging around defenseman Ryan McDonagh.

Both teams failed to capitalize on power plays in the second, but Ferraro extended the Sharks’ lead to 2-0 at 12:55 with a rush and a pass from Granlund. Cirelli scored for the Lightning in the second, tipping in a shot from Erik Cernak at 17:44.

In the third, Askarov made a crucial glove save on Nick Paul to keep the Sharks ahead by one goal. Tampa Bay’s captain, Victor Hedman, was cut by a puck near his ear and left the game with 10:57 remaining, not returning.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Lightning Eye Defensive Reinforcements Amid J.J. Moser’s Absence, Mike Matheson Emerges as Top Target

Lightning Eye Defensive Reinforcements Amid J.J. Moser's Absence, Mike Matheson Emerges as Top Target
Lightning Eye Defensive Reinforcements Amid J.J. Moser's Absence, Mike Matheson Emerges as Top Target

The Tampa Bay Lightning should focus on improving their defense, especially with key defenseman J.J. Moser sidelined for the long term. This gap on the blueline makes it an ideal time for the Lightning to target potential trade options to strengthen their roster.

One player who could be a great fit for the Lightning is Mike Matheson, a defenseman with the Montreal Canadiens. As Montreal has a wealth of young defensemen and is still in the process of building for the future, Matheson has been a name circulating in trade rumors. The Canadiens might be open to moving him for the right price, making him a potential target for the Lightning.

Lightning Eye Defensive Reinforcements Amid J.J. Moser's Absence, Mike Matheson Emerges as Top Target
Lightning Eye Defensive Reinforcements Amid J.J. Moser’s Absence, Mike Matheson Emerges as Top Target

Matheson could be a perfect addition to the Lightning’s defensive core, particularly on their top pairing with Victor Hedman. Despite being a left-shot defenseman, Matheson has the ability to play on the right side. His offensive skill and puck-moving capability also make him an attractive option for Tampa Bay’s power play unit.

At 30 years old, Matheson has had a strong start to this season with 18 points and two goals in 35 games. This follows a highly productive 2023-24 season where he tallied 11 goals and 62 points in 82 games. His offensive output would be a major asset to the Lightning, particularly in generating offense from the back end.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

The Lightning are hopeful Jake Guentzel will return for their game against the Sharks in Tampa

Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

The Tampa Bay Lightning left on Wednesday for a three-game road trip in California, but it’s still unclear if they’ll have their top offseason acquisition available.

After a solid first half, the Lightning will face the San Jose Sharks on Thursday to complete their season series, with rookie star Macklin Celebrini also in the mix as part of the Western swing.

However, Jake Guentzel’s status remains uncertain.

In the offseason, the Lightning faced a tough choice: re-sign aging captain Steven Stamkos or find a new scoring option. They said goodbye to Stamkos, trading with the Carolina Hurricanes for the 30-year-old Guentzel before free agency began. Tampa Bay then signed him to a seven-year, $63 million contract to fill the void left by Stamkos.

After a slow start on a line with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, Guentzel has turned things around with 20 goals and 17 assists in 33 games. But, during a 6-2 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday, he took a hard hit into the boards and did not return. He was also scratched for the game against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.

“There’s been improvements since a couple games ago, so hopefully that continues and see what happens,” coach Jon Cooper said at practice on Tuesday.

Guentzel practiced in a non-contact jersey but skated with the top line. If he can’t play Thursday, Cam Atkinson would likely take his spot. Atkinson, a 13-year NHL veteran who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers, has three goals and two assists in 21 games for Tampa Bay.

San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings

On Dec. 5, the Lightning beat San Jose 8-1, with a five-goal first period. Point finished with four assists in that game.

The Sharks, on the other hand, have had a rough December. After a dreadful 0-7-2 start to the season, they showed some improvement but then went 2-10-1 in December. They are currently on an eight-game losing streak (0-7-1), with a 4-0 loss to the Flyers on New Year’s Eve.

Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky was frustrated after the loss, saying there was “no desperation” from his team. He noted that other teams are now figuring out their identity, and San Jose needs to match that intensity.

“It’s very disappointing. No desperation,” Warsofsky said. “And now you’re seeing teams find their identity in this league. Earlier on, I think we were probably catching teams by surprise. Now teams, this is full go.”

The Sharks are in last place with a .350 point percentage, ahead of only the struggling Blackhawks (.342). San Jose has played a league-high 40 games in the Western Conference but has earned fewer points than all but Chicago.

Despite playing fewer games, Celebrini leads all rookies with 12 goals, tied with Matvei Michkov of Philadelphia.

San Jose is missing forward William Eklund (seven goals, 20 assists), who was placed on injured reserve before the Philadelphia game. They called up 22-year-old Collin Graf from the AHL San Jose Barracuda, though he did not play against the Flyers.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Canadiens Continue Playoff Push with Strong Wins Over Panthers and Lightning, Show Improvement

Canadiens Continue Playoff Push with Strong Wins Over Panthers and Lightning, Show Improvement
Canadiens Continue Playoff Push with Strong Wins Over Panthers and Lightning, Show Improvement

The Montreal Canadiens are starting to look like a legitimate contender for a playoff spot this season. In Year 3 of their rebuild under head coach Martin St. Louis, the team has finally found a balanced roster with four consistent forward lines, three regular defense pairings, and two goalies capable of delivering victories. For the first time in a long while, the Canadiens are also fully healthy, which has contributed to their recent success. After defeating the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, 4-0, the Canadiens continued their winning streak with a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, outshooting them 36-23. With this win, the Canadiens have improved to 16-17-3 and are only five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Canadiens’ turnaround has been impressive since their humiliating 9-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in mid-December. Since that game, they have posted a 5-2-0 record, outscoring their opponents 30-16. The team’s offensive output has been bolstered by the return of Patrik Laine from a pre-season knee injury, as well as the acquisition of defenseman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators. Carrier has been a solid addition to the blue line, contributing four assists and a plus-3 rating in five games. Additionally, goaltender Jakub Dobes stepped in admirably for the struggling Cayden Primeau, posting a shutout against the Panthers in his first NHL start.

Canadiens Continue Playoff Push with Strong Wins Over Panthers and Lightning, Show Improvement
Canadiens Continue Playoff Push with Strong Wins Over Panthers and Lightning, Show Improvement

Montreal’s offensive depth has also improved, with key players stepping up. Kirby Dach scored twice against the Panthers, while Alex Newhook scored his first goal in nine games against the Lightning. Laine has been a key playmaker with 10 points in 12 games since his return. Meanwhile, Christian Dvorak ended a 20-game goal drought with his first goal of the season, and Jake Evans has been consistently scoring, including a goal in five straight games. Brendan Gallagher added an empty-netter in the win over Tampa, bringing his total to 10 goals on the season. The team’s depth scoring and offensive contributions are critical as they continue to chase a playoff spot.

The Canadiens’ recent success has been attributed to their maturity and smart play. Head coach St. Louis emphasized the importance of building consistency and not resting on their laurels after impressive wins. His coaching has helped the team maintain focus and confidence, particularly after high-profile victories. The win against the Lightning was seen as a complete team effort, where the Canadiens controlled the game from start to finish, even with a one-goal lead entering the third period. The team’s ability to play simple, risk-free hockey and capitalize on their opportunities was praised by captain Nick Suzuki, who noted how the Canadiens were able to manage their game effectively, especially in tough back-to-back matchups.

The Canadiens’ performance over the past week has made them appear to be a legitimate playoff contender. Their recent victories against strong opponents like Florida and Tampa Bay have demonstrated their ability to play at a high level. With a healthy roster, contributions from all areas of the team, and a growing sense of maturity, the Canadiens are positioning themselves to compete for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The real test will come in their next game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights, as they look to continue their momentum and prove they can maintain this level of play throughout the season.