Tampa Bay Lightning’s Mixed Season Performance

TAMPA — At the end-of-season review, general manager Julien BriseBois highlighted the many successes of the Lightning during the last NHL regular season.

A Season of Achievements

They led the NHL in scoring and boasted the fourth-best defensive record. Despite losing Steven Stamkos, their power play ranked fifth, and they had a solid sixth-place finish on the penalty kill, despite fielding many new players.

These accomplishments indicate that BriseBois achieved his goal of enhancing the team’s overall performance. He aimed to build a stronger squad, particularly on the defensive front and during 5-on-5 situations, making tough decisions along the way.

Struggles Against Division Rivals

However, one major area of concern was the team’s inability to defeat division opponents. The NHL playoff format often pits teams against these rivals early on, and the Lightning were not alone in facing early exits, as even the Kings, with a strong 105-point tally, fell to the 101-point Oilers.

Pathways to the Stanley Cup Final frequently run through divisional rivals. This year, the Lightning had to navigate through a competitive Atlantic Division, with five teams qualifying for the playoffs.

While injuries and bad luck affected their playoff performance against the Panthers, their regular-season matchup showed little indication they could progress past Florida, or even top the Toronto team that they couldn’t conquer during the regular season.

Depth in the Division

Coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the strength of all divisions, particularly the Atlantic, where five teams made the playoffs — a remarkable accomplishment.

“It’s tough from Round 1. Each playoff series is a battle, and the line between winning and losing is razor-thin,” he noted.

Record Against Rivals

The Lightning finished with a mediocre record of 11-12-3 against division rivals this season. They went 0-3-1 against Toronto and split 2-2-0 with Florida, with one win coming when the Panthers were resting several key players.

In stark contrast, Tampa Bay had a strong 16-3-5 record against the Metropolitan Division and performed well with a 20-12-0 record versus the Western Conference. If you remove their divisional struggles, their points percentage jumps to .688.

Lessons for Next Season

Lightning leaders often stress that regular season performance serves as a rehearsal for the playoffs, which is crucial for fine-tuning the team’s skills and preparing for postseason opponents. Unfortunately, the Lightning have struggled against rivals like Florida and Toronto over the past few years.

“Next year, we need to stress the importance of playing a specific way to win in the playoffs,” center Brayden Point said. “It’s challenging to maintain that style for 82 games.”

“We may not be able to play that way every night, but we must establish an identity right from the start on how we intend to win in the playoffs.”

Understanding Playoff Dynamics

The playoff style differs significantly, emphasizing physical gameplay and tight defense. Teams that thrive discover multiple methods of scoring and capitalize on opportunities when their star players find space.

Strong playoff teams prioritize defensive strategies, protecting key areas, blocking shots, and disrupting opponents’ plays. The Panthers, for instance, employ a dump-and-chase strategy combined with a relentless physical forecheck. They thrive even when they don’t have the puck, creating chaos and winning battles without always needing possession, lowering their turnover risk.

They trust their system, having succeeded with it in prior playoff runs, and play with confidence in their ability to generate scoring chances.

“Patience in your system is vital, and Florida effectively played a grinding style that’s built for success,” remarked Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh. “It’s effective, and when you trust your system, you don’t give up much and try to capitalize on the opportunities when they arise. Often, you can feel in control, yet still find yourself on the losing end, questioning what went wrong.”

Conclusion

As the Lightning regroup and prepare for the next season, focusing on enhancing their performance against division rivals will be crucial. Establishing a strong playoff identity right away can set the foundation for future successes, ensuring they remain a competitive force in the NHL.

FAQs

What are the Lightning’s main challenges for next season?

Improving their record against division opponents is crucial, as past failures in this area have hindered playoff advancement.

How does playoff style differ from the regular season?

Playoff games are more physical and require tighter defensive strategies, focusing on blocking shots and making plays without needing constant puck possession.

Can the Lightning find success against their rivals next season?

With a clear focus on establishing an identity and learning from past challenges, they have the potential to improve in the upcoming season.