Tampa Bay Lightning

Rapid Reactions: Crash and Burn
March 22, 2017, 7:50 AM ET [20 Comments]
John Gove
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The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped its third-straight game with a 5-3 loss to the lowly Arizona Coyotes. The Lightning could not get a victory against the Coyotes this season, going 0-2-0 with a combined score of 10-6.

The Bolts finished up their three-game homestand with an abysmal 0-3-0 record. They have given up 15 goals in their last three games and no longer look like a team fighting for a spot in the postseason.

A Time to Be Harsh

As a writer who covers the amazing sport of hockey, I have always done my best to stay objective, providing analyses that allow the reader to develop his or her own feelings. I apologize in advance for this piece because I am not even going to try and do that this time.

Simply put, this was a game the Lightning had to have. Not only was Tuesday night's matchup against the Coyotes a "must win", it was a "should win". Besides for the Colorado Avalanche, there is no other team the Bolts would have rather played to get things back on track and continue their push for a playoff spot.

Instead, Tampa Bay had another frustrating game that resulted in Arizona tallying five goals against them. If you go back and watch some of these goals, especially Radim Vrbata's to take the lead, you will notice that they no business whatsoever finding their way into the back of the net.

After transforming their season and becoming one of the hottest teams down the stretch, the Lightning are beginning to eliminate any progress they made with outings like last night. With all due respect to the Arizona Coyotes, no team bound for the postseason should be losing to a team that has flat out stunk all season long.

Nail in the Coffin?

Yes, the Lightning are still mathematically in the hunt for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With ten games yet to play, Tampa Bay is still only four points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, the Bolts' recent performance has most definitely put a damper on their chances to climb over both the Leafs and the Islanders.

Before last night's game, I was of the mindset that a loss would put an end to the Lightning's run to the postseason. I am sad to inform you that I still believe this. They would have to turn things around immediately while the Leafs and the Islanders go on an extended losing streak. I just don't see that happening.

On Tap

The Lightning return to action on Thursday when they hit the road to take on the Boston Bruins in the first half of back-to-back games away from home.