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Where does the difference lie between a team that does well both at home and on the road versus a team that can only succeed at home? No doubt this is the question Lightning head coach Rick Tocchet is asking himself at this very moment. His Tampa Bay team has had an impressive 2-0-1 record at home allowing only 8 goals, while holding a dismal 0-3-1 record on the road with an astonishing 19 goals against.
If the Tampa team is to right this ship, follow the words of their coach and “keep things simple”, there is no better way to start improving than on the powerplay. In past years the difference between a good team and a great team (especially when playoff time comes) is indisputably marked by outstanding special teams.
The Lightning operate with an impressive 25% powerplay efficiency while at home, earning them a spot amongst the league’s top ten. When given the same opportunity on the road, the Lightning have delivered only three times on 24 chances which has lead to a 27th place 12.5% record. To add insult to injury, the Lightning currently lead the league in shorthanded goals against while on the road.
Examine those figures once more. On 24 one man road advantages, the Lightning have succeeded in only scoring one more goal than their shorthanded opponents.
Though it pains me do this, I have to ask; Where is Lecavalier on these powerplay opportunities? For a man whose heartbeat has become the rhythm the team all marches to, his lack of production on the powerplay could spell the downfall of this uneasy Tampa team.
If the Lightning had played their opening four road games matching the powerplay efficiency that was displayed at home, they would have both two additional goals and one fewer shorthanded marker. This three goal swing could have easily been the difference maker in three of the four games, or outright won one of them.
Continuing on a path of hypotheticals, an additional win would place the Lightning solidly within the conference’s top eight and place them two points below the division leading Capitals with a game in hand.
If if’s and and’s were pots and pans – I know, I have heard it before. But the power an early two points has at the end of the season should not be disregarded.
Thankfully the Lightning start a four game home stand tonight against the Sharks. This will be the longest home stand thus far in the season, hopefully allowing the special teams to get into a confident groove that will last them on the road. Game time is 7:30pm, and can be followed locally on the SUN(HD) television network.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
Ten in A Row for The Capitals
Tampa’s Top Scorers Need to Share the Wealth
Examining the Schedule: Tampa Bay
Colorado Avalanche – Ups And Downs
New Record For Richards In MSG
Montreal’s Checkbook Gives Powerplay A Helping Hand
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