Lightning Lockerroom Sign Photo by Linda Hamilton

Bobby “The Chief” Taylor said it best during the Lightning post game radio show this evening.  You don’t win games by allowing 39 shots on goal at home. Unfortunately that’s just what happened during Tampa’s game against the Washington Capitals. There were some good things, but the nagging mistakes continued to come back to bite them. The Bolts mustered another late rally, but fell short of securing a point. The 4-3 loss extended Tampa’s winless streak to 6 games.

Woo freakin’ hoo.

The first period began in similar fashion to the last few games but Tampa got it together a big faster. Washington opened the scoring, but Marty St. Louis responded as well. As the game went on, more scoring chances were missed. Tampa just isn’t shooting the puck enough. Yes, you have to get shooting lanes and wait for guys to get clear. Scoring opportunities aren’t created by constantly moving the puck around the offensive zone either. Teddy Purcell backhanded the puck at Braden Holtby and scored Tampa’s 2nd goal of the game.

Nate Thompson did have a beauty, though.

At this point, it’s tough to know what to say. A lot of these issues are usually hammered out at practice, but with games every other day it’s hard to balance that with time for body maintenance. Confidence becomes an issue as well. When doubt starts to creep in, it’s hard to pull out of that hole. Another key division match up against Florida is set for Saturday. I’ll be there, cheering, and hoping for an end to this funk.