Penalty Kill ignites Lightning to 5-1 romp

To put it mildly, Sunday nights game against the Flyers did not at all start the way the Lightning wanted it to. For starters, Lindback allowed in a soft goal less than a minute into the game, and then 7:15 into the game, BJ Crombeen was called for a triple minor, meaning the Lightning were put on a four minute penalty kill, already down a goal. The Lightning had two options, fold up, give up a power play goal and call it a night, or fight on the long PK and gain momentum. They chose the latter, and they chose it in a loud way. The penalty kill was one of the most impressive Ive seen for some time. The Bolts stifled the Flyers cold the whole four minutes, and when it was over the crowd rose to their feet in appreciation. The momentum swing from that kill opened the way for three first period goals in a four minute twenty one second span. The much maligned second period was much better tonight, the Bolts did get outshot 11-5 in the period, but the score for the period was 0-0, a large improvement. Then Hedman provided the dagger as he tapped in a rebound less than a minute into the third for a 4-1 lead. Stamkos tacked on his third of the year later to make it officially a blowout.

This was, far and away, the Bolts best game of the season. 60 solid minutes of dominating hockey against a very good team. Its really starting to look like this could be a special season for the Bolts, and people are starting to take notice. Even Barry Melrose said last night that this team was for real. When Barry Melrose, who openly hates the Lightning (we hate you too Barry), admits the Bolts are good, people should take notice.

It was the second straight game where the Lightning ended a two game or longer winning streak by their opponent. These arent pushover teams or cold teams that they are beating.

Lecavalier got in his first fight since 2009, and he made it a good one. This can also be looked on as a momentum booster along with the four minute PK

The Penalty kill wasn't just dominant in the first period double minor. It was dominant all night long. The Flyers went 0-6 on the power play and the effort from the Lightning rose their penalty kill percentage on the season from 80% to 84.6%.

The Lightning outshot their opponent for the first time this season, 26-25.

Sami Salo picked up two more assists. It's really starting to look like this pickup was a good quality under the radar signing.

The Bolts are averaging 4.8 goals per game through five games, number one in the NHL. obviously 4.8 goals per game isn't sustainable over the course of a season, but its fun to watch while it lasts. Just a note, the most prolific offense in the NHL over the past 25 years was the 2005-06 Ottawa Senators who averaged 3.8 goals per game. I could see the Lightning contending with that, but only because its a short season.

The Lightning blocked 26 shots, compared to just 8 from the Flyers. This is a tad concerning though, because it means the Lightning only attempted 33 shots, a very low number.

Steven Stamkos has a point in all five games this season

Cory Conachers four game point streak came to an end.

St Louis picked up four assists.

3 star standings
Cory Conacher: 2 points
Mathieu Garon: 2 points
Vincent Lecavalier: 8 points
Martin St Louis: 5 points
Ryan Malone: 3 points
Sami Salo: 4 points

Southeast standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 8 points
2. Winnipeg Jets: 7 points
3. Carolina Hurricanes: 4 points
4. Washington Capitals: 3 points
5. Florida Panthers: 2 points

Not only are the Lightning in sole possession of first place in the division, they have sole place in the Eastern Conference as well. The Bolts take on the last place Panthers tomorrow night.