Steven Stamkos Photo by Linda Hamilton

There’s things we could be angry about. Poor goal tending in the first dug a hole too deep for the Lightning to climb out of. Untimely errors. Losing 5-3 in Pittsburgh. Putting in a less than ideal showing in one of their nationally broadcast games. None of those things are all that great, but not the worst part of this evening.

What is the worst you might ask? NBC Sports’ focus being on Sidney Crosby all night long. Yes, he scored two goals. But so did several other members of the Penguins. It’s not the Pittsburgh Crosbys, he isn’t out there alone. Given how this hasn’t changed since he came into the league. Maybe I’m just cranky tonight.

Second game in as many nights. Stamkos scores again as does Cory Conacher and Eric Brewer. Anders Lindback struggled and was eventually relieved by Mathieu Garon. Wins are what matters, but the Lightning played hard. We’ve been saying that a lot lately, but they really did. Effort goes a long way and that’s what they showed tonight.

Closing thought: Anders Lindback shows promise, but a lot of people seem to forget he has less than 40 games played in the NHL. He’s very young and has a lot to learn. Mistakes are hard to take, but good goalies don’t become great just by hoping it happens.