Insider: Lightning 6, Panthers 3
The Tampa Bay Lightning put on a show Saturday night at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and it was Marty St. Louis, playing in his 900th career NHL game, that led the way with his fifth career hat trick to give his team a 6-3 win. For the Lightning, it was a huge win that they had to have against the team that came into play sitting a top the Southeast Division, and with the win, the Lightning currently sit eight points out of the division lead, and nine points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference. But on this night, it was not about the standings, it was about Marty St. Louis.
“I feel like I have not scored two goals in a game in a long time,” St. Louis said. “It’s nice to get on the scoreboard and help your team win…its fun; on a weekend night, when my kids are here.”
The Good: St. Louis, What else can you say about St. Louis, and what he has meant to this entire organization. What he did on this night was something special, and yet to hear him talk about it post game, it was more about the game than the individual accomplishment. That is why Marty St. Louis has had the success he has had, because he always puts the team ahead of everything else.
“Its only fitting,” head coach Guy Boucher said of St. Louis night. “These people who deserve a lot and who have given a lot; nights like this, they are important for them, they are important for our fans, for our organization.”
Steven Stamkos, Besides the goal, his 34th of the season, Stamkos, who is in a scoring race of his own, gave up what would have been a sure goal to get the puck to St. Louis and ensure he got the hat trick. That is the type of unselfish play that has played a major role in this team having the success they have had over the past seven the games.
The Bad, Not Gaining Significant Ground In The Standings, The Lightning began their streak of seven games with at least a point on January 17th when they beat the Boston Bruins. At the time, they sat last in the Eastern conference, 12 points back of both the Southeast Division lead and 8th place in the eastern conference. Since that time, they have gained 13 of a possible 14 points, yet only picked up four points on the division lead and three points on the number eight spot in the east. That’s the battle the Lightning are going to be fighting the rest of the season.
Up Next, The Lightning will conclude the home stand on Tuesday night when the Los Angeles Kings come to town. Face off is at 7:30.
Tags: Tampa Bay Lightning
