TropicalFruitGirl26

True. And, they DO have a decent draft board to work with the next two years. Of course, even this may change depending on whether they continue to stockpile picks or trade some away from some "now" players.

I too like the way the Habs are being built, however, and I could be wrong of course, I think it will take more than just into next year before we see the Canadiens compete, much less acquire, a playoff position. You said it yourself: The Atlantic Division is quite deep and it will take much more than just putting together a bunch of talented young players to succeed....see Ottawa Senators, see Buffalo Sabres, see Detroit Red Wings...you get the idea... The Canadiens still have to learn to play together, what to do in the various game situations, and yea, STILL add to their talent pool and come up with a legit number 1 goalie. With MSL at the helm behind the bench, I have no doubt those players are learning to play the right way, but, as you know, this whole thing is a "process". Some teams try to cheat a bit and skip parts of the process...oftentimes blows up in their front office faces. Others, like the Habs, take it every step at a time.....and in doing that, they take longer to get to where they want to be, but once there, should be sustainable. I just think next season is too soon still.

Always a step behind. And always a step behind a legit SC contender puts you on the brink of elimination....

There we go...now THAT one will count...not a PP goal, but Stamkos with the brilliant tip in after the feed from Hedman squares things for the Lightning. 1-1 start of the 2nd Edit: Looks like that was a PP goal...tail end of it. Either way, Bolts needed that badly! Now....they need to shore up their overall play, especially 5 on 5

Or at least one of those flaming ships they send out to sea for the Scandinavians on the team

@mojo1917 Looks like the Isles haven't fixed their hinges yet for Game 3. Already down 2-0 midway through the first....

Well, FWIW, the refs DID get the call right....much as I don't like it. Bolts pushed back afterwards once again, but ran out of time. I believe they will still have a slice of that PP left to start the 2nd? Will have to look.

Two big shots as the period comes to a close....Bob makes a huge save on one....and then Brayden Point BEATS Bob, but can't beat the post. Wow. The hockey gods must have cloud dollars on Florida....

Poof...no goal. Florida retains the 1-0 lead. Talk about bad timing on that fall...

Third time's the charm for the TB PP. Finally got one. Clean technique leads to the goal. Oh, but wait...Florida is challenging for offsides....

'CMON REF!!! It's a walrus! RIDICULOUS!!"

Panthers take the lead...the result of...yep...ANOTHER rushed, piss poor clearing attempt from the zone by the Lightning.

Lightning are getting the PP chances...at least Florida is getting called for the BS hooking and interference calls this game. But that means nothing unless the supposed #1 powerplay in the league makes use of the man advantage. Panthers giving the Bolts absolutely NO SPACE out there...always getting in the grill of Bolts players with the puck. I am pretty sure there is a way for the TB talented forwards to bait them in and take advantage of this, but as of right now, they don't have the answer.

There seems to always be a hint of 'rush panic' on the Bolts whenever they try to organize a rush due to Florida forecheck and pressure. The kind of rush panic that WASN'T there when the Bolts had guys like Maroon, McDonagh, Palat, and even Zach Bogosian. Because those guys always seemed to stay cool under pressure. Win or lose, if the Bolts go into the offseason looking for improvements, they need to hunt down players that have the kind of mindsets those aforementioned players have. With some more levelheadedness under pressure, the Bolts wouldn't be nearly as susceptible to bad clearing attempts, blue line turnovers, and the poor kind of transition from their zone outward we are seeing now.

Bolts gonna get a win finally!!?? Those first two games where anyone's games....kudos to Florida for getting it done, one way or the other. Definitely need a response in the 'W' column by the Lightning tonight though. They are down 2-1 after, this is still a series...they do down 3-0, even though it wouldn't be over....it would be over...ya know? Let's see what the Bolts got at home....now with the last change advantage, and Florida without one of lesser known, but very important heroes, Sam Bennett.