Losing streak hit four as Rangers down Lightning 5-1

About ten minutes into the first period of Sundays game against the Rangers it was already clear this was not the Lightnings not. Carl Hagelin put the Rangers on top 1-0 just 31 seconds into the game, then the Bolts had four odd man rushes early, 3 two on ones and a breakaway, and Lundqvist stopped every one of them. It was apparent Henrik was on top of his game and the Bolts would need to hope they could put a couple past him and not allow anymore. That didnt happen as late in the second period an awful turnover led to an easy Ryan Callahan goal and a 2-0 lead. Carl Hagelin sneaked one past Garon halfway through the second for a 3-1 lead, a goal that got garon pulled. After the Lightning got one back, Aaron Asham provided the dagger with 7:38 left for a 4-1 lead. Rick Nash tacked one on with 9 seconds left to put salt in the wound and a 5-1 final was had.

I really have to question why Boucher started Garon. Lindback had two nights rest and Garon faced the Rangers last week. Why not make them face someone new? Why put your backup in with your team on a 3 game losing streak needing a win? I cant find any justification in it.

Once again the Bolts struggled mightily to get shots on net, only putting on 20 and only 4 in the third period. They averaged a pathetic 20.3 shots per game on the road trip.

The worst part of this losing streak is the Bolts have played worse in every successive game. This was by far the worst performance of the season and there is really no excuse for it on two nights rest.

Alex Killorn picked up an assist in his first game since being called up from the minors. The first point of his career.

Thank goodness the Bolts are coming back home. The next six games are very winnable, four home games and two roadies againt mediocre teams, hopefully they can get back on track. And they are still in first, but if the canes win tonight they wont be any longer.

Southeast Standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 12 points
2. Carolina Hurricanes: 11 points
3. Winnipeg Jets: 11 points
4. Florida Panthers: 9 points
5. Washington Capitals: 7 points