Saturday, October 18, 2008

Lightning Go In Search of First Victory Once Again...


By JC De La Torre

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Minnesota Wild, hoping for a wild performance of their own and the first win of the 2008-09 campaign.

One thing can be said about the first four games of 2008-09 - all losses, each have been competitive. The Bolts have lost 4 straight 1-goal games, two in overtime. So its not like they've been blown out all over the ice.

For Tampa Bay to find the winning formula, they'll need stay out of the penalty box - which has been a big problem for Tampa Bay in the first week. They'll also need to win 0ne-on-one battles for the puck, something that's improving but not quite where it needs to be. And finally, their best players need to be their best players. Tampa Bay got goals from Ryan Malone, Vinny Prospal and Vincent Lecavalier on Thursday night, they need more from Marty St. Louis and young Steven Stamkos.

Its definitely not too late for Tampa Bay. A win tonight, they shake off the bad start and the 08-09 can really get going in earnest.

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