TAMPA, Fla. — Having depth in the playoffs is a great attribute, but if it were all that mattered, the NHL would have already cordially invited the Florida Panthers into the second round. The defending champs are as deep as it gets.
The Tampa Bay Lightning don’t boast that kind of depth, but one thing they showcase more than anything else — and perhaps more than any NHL team — is pure star power.
Advertisement
So far, the stars aren’t shining for the Lightning. If that doesn’t change in a hurry, it will be lights out.
The Lightning have mustered only two goals in two games at home and trail Florida 2-0 in the series. They will search for a victory in South Florida when the series shifts to Sunrise on Saturday afternoon.
“I think we’ll be fine,” Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak said. “We actually played a pretty good game in Game 2. The puck just didn’t go in.”
The Panthers have a way of making scoring difficult for the opposition this time of year.
Then again, Tampa Bay boasted the NHL’s highest scoring team in the regular season, led by Art Ross Trophy-winning forward Nikita Kucherov.
So far, Kucherov has one assist in two games. He was held to only one shot in Game 2.
Jon Cooper was quick to deflect attention away from his superstar winger.
“Let’s be honest,” the Lightning coach said. “Nobody is on the score sheet.”
This is true. Also true: Kucherov is expected to show up on the score sheet, and the Lightning aren’t likely to be long for the postseason if he doesn’t erupt in the next two games.
Cooper knows his team’s lack of production is a problem.
“That’s not a recipe for success,” he said. “It was unfortunate in Game 1, it was just a weird game. We defended well last night (in Game 2). There weren’t a lot of opportunities to score, not even for their guys. We just didn’t bury our chances. If we keep playing those kinds of games, they’ll eventually go in. Both teams are defending. There’s not a lot of time and space out there. That’s why you saw a game like we saw last night.”
So, what’s the secret to unlock Tampa Bay’s offense? Cooper was hardly saying, but the two-time Stanley Cup champion coach has no shortage of confidence in his group.
“We’ll find a way,” he said. “We’ll find a way.”
Advertisement
If Florida’s Aleksander Barkov is unable to play on Saturday, it will certainly aid Tampa Bay’s offensive potential. Barkov is among the greatest defensive forwards of his generation. The Florida captain was blindsided by Lightning forward Brandon Hagel in the third period of Game 2. Hagel is scheduled to have a hearing for the hit with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Friday and could face a suspension. Barkov didn’t return to the game, and Florida coach Paul Maurice said on Friday afternoon that his No. 1 center has not been cleared for Game 3. Of course, he hasn’t been ruled out for Game 3, either, Maurice said.
Hagel gets a five minute major for interference on Barkov — penalty upheld after review pic.twitter.com/6ngc3AdCZo
— Shayna (@shaynagoldman_) April 25, 2025
The Lightning will proceed assuming that Barkov will participate in Saturday’s game.
“There’s no question,” Cooper said. “You prepare like he’s going to play. So, we’ll see.”
It’s not lost not the Lightning that Barkov’s presence is, obviously, a very big deal for the defending champions.
“He’s a talented player in this league,” Cernak said. “He’s been great for a long time. He’s their leader. But at the end of the day, we still have to go out and play our game whether he’s available or not.”
Tampa Bay’s stars have to show up whether Barkov is available or not.
• Kucherov has one point through two games and has been noticeably quiet. Perhaps Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk’s early hit in Game 1 set the tone that Florida won’t allow Kucherov to have his way.
• Jake Guentzel was Tampa Bay’s best player in Game 1 but struggled in Game 2, missing two empty nets and taking two bad penalties.
• Victor Hedman has only one point through two games.
• Like Guentzel, Brayden Point scored in Game 1, but also like Guentzel, he was unable to convert on a couple of golden opportunities in Game 2.
Advertisement
• Hagel has been held without a point through two games.
• Anthony Cirelli, who is playing with either an injury or an illness, has been held without a point in two games.
The Lightning actually played a fairly strong game on Thursday, all things considered. They were much better defensively and had the puck for most of evening, producing 20 more shot attempts than the Panthers.
However, Tampa Bay’s powerful power play stalled badly, and the Lightning forwards were unable to gain leverage in the slot. Time and time again, Florida’s big defenders were able to successfully box Tampa Bay’s stars out from around goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
“We actually liked our game in Game 2,” Tampa Bay forward Luke Glendening said. “We just have to stick with it.”
Things don’t figure to get any easier for Tampa once the Lightning find themselves on the road against a Florida team that smells blood. With or without their captain, the Panthers know how to close out a series.
“Listen,” Cooper said. “It’s the playoffs. The playing field is even for everyone. The travel is the same. We unfortunately lost two at home. Now, there’s work ahead of us. I’d still rather play at home. But, we’ve had success in that building. We like playing there. They’d rather be at home (too). But I kind of take the home ice out of it in this series. We (both teams) are so used to playing in these environments. I think the road teams relish those situations.”
The spotlight will be on Saturday afternoon, as Florida looks to take a commanding 3-0 series advantage. Should Tampa Bay earn a road win, however, everything could change in a hurry.
If the Lightning manage to do so, star power figures to show the way. With the Lightning, it always does.
Cooper is hoping that history repeats itself.
“We’d be making a huge mistake if we were thinking about anything down the road,” Cooper said. “Let’s just keep putting the effort in that we’ve been putting in this series, and we’ll see where everything falls. With the history of this group, I’ll take my chances.”
Note
• The Lightning practiced at Amalie Arena before flying to Fort Lauderdale. The Panthers did not skate on Friday.
(Photo of Jake Guentzel: Mike Carlson / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Snový začátek v MLS! Lingr skóroval i ve svém druhém zápase
Online magazín deníku Právo & Seznam.czCopyright © 1996–2025, Seznam.cz, a.s., Borgis, a.s., ČTK, DPA, Reuters, fotobanka Profimedia.Publikování nebo další šíření obsahu serveru Sport.cz je bez písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis, a.s. zakázáno. RSS kanály serveru Sport.cz jsou určeny pouze pro osobní užití. Jakékoli kopírování, šíření nebo využívání obsahu RSS kanálů serveru Sport.cz bez předchozího písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis a.s. není dovoleno. Dodavatelem obsahu serveru Sport.cz a osobou vykonávající redakční odpovědnost je společnost BORGIS a.s. Šiřitelem reklamy na serveru Sport.cz je společnost Seznam.cz, a.s., IČO 26168685.
Cruzeiro e Vasco fazem duelo de SAFs em reformulação e com diferença de gastos que não se vê na tabela
O Vasco visita o Cruzeiro às 16h em Uberlândia no duelo entre duas SAFs em reestruturação. Apesar do modelo de gestão distinto e de uma política de gastos bem diferente para a formação de equipes competitivas, os dois clubes amargam o meio da tabela do Brasileirão e sofrem com críticas de suas torcidas. Depois de o Vasco pedir recuperação judicial para aliviar as despesas para administrar a SAF — há um ano o clube está sob controle do associativo e do presidente Pedrinho, ainda sob liminar da Justiça do Rio contra a 777 Partners — a direção investiu de forma controlada em reforços, que somados aos atletas mais caros que já estavam no clube tentam cumprir bom papel. Hoje o time ocupa a nona posição. Foram 7,5 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 45 milhões) gastos pela diretoria até abril, […]
Group One action from ParisLongchamp, Southwell and Sha Tin on the cards
Group One action on the channel today with ParisLongchamp and Sha Tin staging quality racing as well as competitive action from Southwell, live on Sky Sports Racing...3.25 ParisLongchamp - Sosie and Map Of Stars headline Group One sextetAndre Fabre has won the Prix Ganay, Europe's first Group One of the season, on a record seven occasions and Sosie looks to have strong claims of making it eight. A son of Sea the Stars, he enjoyed a splendid campaign winning the Group One Grand Prix de Paris before finishing fourth when sent off as favourite for the Arc. He may need this reappearance but should be in the mix under Maxime Guyon.Map Of Stars has suffered defeat just once in his six-race career and Francis-Henri Graffard's four-year-old deserves a crack at the top table. He will have race fitness in his […]
Noční děkovačka mistrů! Na fotbalisty Slavie čekaly v noci u Edenu stovky fanoušků
Když před nedělní druhou hodinou ranní vystoupili Chorý a spol. z vlaku na zastávce u Edenu, mohli nabýt dojmu, že Praha právě slaví příchod nového roku. Oblohu i podchod od stanice ke stadionu ozařovaly světlice.Příznivci vytvořili hráčům a realizačnímu týmu tradiční uličku slávy, se svými hrdiny si plácali a skandovali jejich jména. Vystřihli několikrát také oslavný chorál vítězů „Tak jsme první no a co“.Než slávisté vklouzli do stadionu, kapitán Jan Bořil, obklopený fanoušky, vedl známou pozápasovou děkovačku. Příznivci po ní ještě pár minut vyvolávali jména čerstvých mistrů, kteří v té chvíli už pokračovali v mistrovských oslavách v útrobách Edenu. Vítězný pohár dostanou slávisté po závěrečném duelu nadstavby, po domácím utkání s Baníkem Ostrava (v sobotu 24. května). Mistrovské oslavy zažívají červenobílí po čtyřech letech.
Stephen Curry plays superhero, with help from unsung heroes, as shorthanded Warriors take 2-1 lead vs. Rockets
Getty Images One night after LeBron James dialed up 38 points and scored 20 in a single half for the 100th time in his playoff career, Stephen Curry followed up with his own "How is he still doing this?" performance in Game 3 against the Rockets on Saturday. The only difference: Curry's masterpiece came in a win. Playing without Jimmy Butler, who was nursing a pelvic and deep glute contusion, Curry put on his cape to the tune of 36 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, five 3-pointers and even a pair of blocked shots as the Warriors -- who trailed by as many as 13 in the first half and managed just 18 first-quarter points -- pulled off a 104-93 victory to take a 2-1 lead in what continues to be a street-fight series. "In this series, no game is gonna be pretty," […]
2025 NBA playoffs: How the Warriors stepped up to take Game 3 without Jimmy Butler
SAN FRANCISCO — Game 3 of the Golden State Warriors' first-round series with the Houston Rockets on Saturday was nothing short of a slugfest. They took part in a physical battle all night with bodies hitting the floor from the opening tip through the final buzzer.Missing Jimmy Butler, the Warriors relied on their depth and defense, while the Rockets couldn't contain Stephen Curry or buy a bucket late in the contest. By night's end, one team's poise and a familiar superstar's brilliance proved to be the difference as Golden State secured a 104-93 victory and a 2-1 series lead.Another 'Stephortless' performanceCurry did that thing where he takes over a game in its most pivotal moments — hitting dagger 3s, converting crafty layups and exploiting any mismatch on a big.Game 3 was no different. While both teams had their struggles early […]
Related
Snový začátek v MLS! Lingr skóroval i ve svém druhém zápase
Online magazín deníku Právo & Seznam.czCopyright © 1996–2025, Seznam.cz, a.s., Borgis, a.s., ČTK, DPA, Reuters, fotobanka Profimedia.Publikování nebo další šíření obsahu serveru Sport.cz je bez písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis, a.s. zakázáno. RSS kanály serveru Sport.cz jsou určeny pouze pro osobní užití. Jakékoli kopírování, šíření nebo využívání obsahu RSS kanálů serveru Sport.cz bez předchozího písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis a.s. není dovoleno. Dodavatelem obsahu serveru Sport.cz a osobou vykonávající redakční odpovědnost je společnost BORGIS a.s. Šiřitelem reklamy na serveru Sport.cz je společnost Seznam.cz, a.s., IČO 26168685.
Cruzeiro e Vasco fazem duelo de SAFs em reformulação e com diferença de gastos que não se vê na tabela
O Vasco visita o Cruzeiro às 16h em Uberlândia no duelo entre duas SAFs em reestruturação. Apesar do modelo de gestão distinto e de uma política de gastos bem diferente para a formação de equipes competitivas, os dois clubes amargam o meio da tabela do Brasileirão e sofrem com críticas de suas torcidas. Depois de o Vasco pedir recuperação judicial para aliviar as despesas para administrar a SAF — há um ano o clube está sob controle do associativo e do presidente Pedrinho, ainda sob liminar da Justiça do Rio contra a 777 Partners — a direção investiu de forma controlada em reforços, que somados aos atletas mais caros que já estavam no clube tentam cumprir bom papel. Hoje o time ocupa a nona posição. Foram 7,5 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 45 milhões) gastos pela diretoria até abril, […]
Group One action from ParisLongchamp, Southwell and Sha Tin on the cards
Group One action on the channel today with ParisLongchamp and Sha Tin staging quality racing as well as competitive action from Southwell, live on Sky Sports Racing...3.25 ParisLongchamp - Sosie and Map Of Stars headline Group One sextetAndre Fabre has won the Prix Ganay, Europe's first Group One of the season, on a record seven occasions and Sosie looks to have strong claims of making it eight. A son of Sea the Stars, he enjoyed a splendid campaign winning the Group One Grand Prix de Paris before finishing fourth when sent off as favourite for the Arc. He may need this reappearance but should be in the mix under Maxime Guyon.Map Of Stars has suffered defeat just once in his six-race career and Francis-Henri Graffard's four-year-old deserves a crack at the top table. He will have race fitness in his […]
Noční děkovačka mistrů! Na fotbalisty Slavie čekaly v noci u Edenu stovky fanoušků
Když před nedělní druhou hodinou ranní vystoupili Chorý a spol. z vlaku na zastávce u Edenu, mohli nabýt dojmu, že Praha právě slaví příchod nového roku. Oblohu i podchod od stanice ke stadionu ozařovaly světlice.Příznivci vytvořili hráčům a realizačnímu týmu tradiční uličku slávy, se svými hrdiny si plácali a skandovali jejich jména. Vystřihli několikrát také oslavný chorál vítězů „Tak jsme první no a co“.Než slávisté vklouzli do stadionu, kapitán Jan Bořil, obklopený fanoušky, vedl známou pozápasovou děkovačku. Příznivci po ní ještě pár minut vyvolávali jména čerstvých mistrů, kteří v té chvíli už pokračovali v mistrovských oslavách v útrobách Edenu. Vítězný pohár dostanou slávisté po závěrečném duelu nadstavby, po domácím utkání s Baníkem Ostrava (v sobotu 24. května). Mistrovské oslavy zažívají červenobílí po čtyřech letech.
Stephen Curry plays superhero, with help from unsung heroes, as shorthanded Warriors take 2-1 lead vs. Rockets
Getty Images One night after LeBron James dialed up 38 points and scored 20 in a single half for the 100th time in his playoff career, Stephen Curry followed up with his own "How is he still doing this?" performance in Game 3 against the Rockets on Saturday. The only difference: Curry's masterpiece came in a win. Playing without Jimmy Butler, who was nursing a pelvic and deep glute contusion, Curry put on his cape to the tune of 36 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, five 3-pointers and even a pair of blocked shots as the Warriors -- who trailed by as many as 13 in the first half and managed just 18 first-quarter points -- pulled off a 104-93 victory to take a 2-1 lead in what continues to be a street-fight series. "In this series, no game is gonna be pretty," […]
2025 NBA playoffs: How the Warriors stepped up to take Game 3 without Jimmy Butler
SAN FRANCISCO — Game 3 of the Golden State Warriors' first-round series with the Houston Rockets on Saturday was nothing short of a slugfest. They took part in a physical battle all night with bodies hitting the floor from the opening tip through the final buzzer.Missing Jimmy Butler, the Warriors relied on their depth and defense, while the Rockets couldn't contain Stephen Curry or buy a bucket late in the contest. By night's end, one team's poise and a familiar superstar's brilliance proved to be the difference as Golden State secured a 104-93 victory and a 2-1 series lead.Another 'Stephortless' performanceCurry did that thing where he takes over a game in its most pivotal moments — hitting dagger 3s, converting crafty layups and exploiting any mismatch on a big.Game 3 was no different. While both teams had their struggles early […]
Be the first to leave a comment