Crossing The NHL’s Atlantic Division: Week 24
By Tim Bayer
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Lightning
By Tasha Meares of Bolts By The Bay
To say that this has been a trying week for the Tampa Bay Lightning is a bit of an understatement.
The Bolts started the week on the business end of a five-game losing streak after their 4-3 shootout loss to former Lightning goaltender Mike Smith and the Phoenix Coyotes. Thankfully, this unpleasant streak would not last much longer.
The Bolts would put on quite the show against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. The Bolts would head into the final minutes of the game with a 5-2 lead over the Kitty Cats; however, Bolts Nation had a bit of a heart attack when the Lightning gave up two goals, the last of which left just 26.5 seconds on the clock in regulation. Fortunately, Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop and the rest of the Bolts were able to hold on and beat the Panthers in regulation, earning the two points.
The night was also special for a whole other reason. Not only did Lightning captain Steven Stamkos score his first goal since returning from his broken tibia, but the Tampa Bay Lightning executed their very first season sweep of the Florida Panthers in the team’s 20-year franchise history.