Lightning erase two goal deficit to win 6-4.

Another big offensive outburst has woke people up as to just how lethal this offense may be. Down 4-2 and their backs against the wall, the Lightning railed off three goals in an impressive rally, and added an empty netter at the end, to win 6-4. Matt Carle opened the scoring for the Bolts just 1:09 into the game for an early lead, Ottawa tied the game early in the second, and the score hung tight 1-1 late in the period. I honestly thought this was looking to be a 2-1 or 3-1 game at this point. I was in no way prepared for the outburst that ensued. The Senators scored two goals in 15 seconds to take a 3-1 lead. Just fifteen seconds after that the Bolts got one back to make it a one goal game. When Ottawa extended the lead back to 2, Tampa scored just 40 second later to make it a one goal game again. In all, the two teams combined for five goals in three minutes, 40 seconds. In the third period, it was the Ryan Malone show. Malone tied the game early in the third, then put the Bolts ahead for good on a deflection with 7:02 remaining. The two goal period earned Malone the number one star of the game.

So here we are, a 3-1 start, an amazing 4.8 goals per game, and a two goal comeback, something that always defines a character win. That doesnt mean there wasnt cause for concern though, here are some points to consider:

The Lighning allowed 36 shots, just below their season average, which ranks 28th in the league. That number really needs to come down. The defense looked downright bad at times.

Victor Hedman: Really looked like a traffic cone two of the Senators goals. He answered with one his own, but the defense is what is concerning.

2nd period: The Lightning have been marvelous in the first and third periods this year, but downright atrocious in the 2nd. In four games this season the Bolts have been outscored 10-3 in the second period. In the first and third combined they've outscored their opponent 16-2. Its perplexing how they can be so bad in the 2nd, but dominant in the other two periods. The answer is its probably a short term coincidence, but we'll have to see if the trend continues.

Lets look at a couple things that looked promising for the team

Sami Salo: two assists and a team leading +5. One of the big vet signings this year could really pay off for the Bolts.

Cory Conacher continues his hot start with a point in all four games now this season

That along with the obvious of Malone and Stamkos looking good, and Ill take this game as a positive. Four goals against in one period is not good, but once again when Lindback needed to make big stops, he did.

3 star standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 5 points
Martin St Louis: 4 points
Ryan Malone: 3 points
Sami Salo: 2 points

Southeast Standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 6 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 5 points
3. Carolina Hurricanes: 4 points
4. Florida Panthers: 2 points
5. Washington Capitals: 1 point

Love seeing the craps in last place, but cant believe they got a point out of tonights game, they should still be at 0.