Lightning need to be more consistent
A successful team not have to be the best of the NHL. Very important thing for a team is have a consistent performance. However, your players are great and they belongs for the best players of the NHL, it doesn´t matter. In fact, the key for the success is something different. Be consistent. And have a good shape of course.
But Tampa Bay looks like a team on the swing. The good matches alternate bad matches. And that´s wrong. The main reason are a banal mistakes, where creations in the defensive zone. Also both goaltenders are little bit inconsistent. Although, head coach Guy Boucher don´t wanna admit, he don´t have to exclude, that his team is out of the way, yet.
It could be expected, because after the amazing running in the play-off last year, fans has a lot of expactations. For example, after the spectatular permormance by Dwayne Roloson last year, fans expected, that he should be the same good goaltender like before. But that is really tough. Why? Because Roloson is 42 years old ! But that´s not only about age.
Players are aware, that they have a more responsibilities like the year before and that´s ties hands them. Obviously, there are some exceptions like Steven Stamkos, who plays as good as he can. Also Vincent Lecavalier plays wery well. Brett Connolly, who played his last season in the AHL, have a surelly place in the roster, because he definitelly proved, that he is a big talent.
But that´s all. Rest of the team is under the exceptions. Perhaps we will start seeing a sunshine. Last couple of games were very well, despite, that last games Bolts lost against Minnesota 1:3. Players in the defensive zone were more silence and also they were more responsible. Also forwards were playing with the spark between them and they had a good forechecking. Very important questions is: Is it enough? I think, that yes.
If you remember, practically the same team was in the final Eastern conference last season. Why not this season? Tampa Bay just need find out the way, how would be more consistent. If this team will figure out this problem, he will be better. It´s just about trying new things, changing pregame´s rituals, just not sitting on the chair, but doing something, what would be help team for a rise.