Brie
bearer of bad news
- Jul 5, 2014
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Steve Yzerman offers his view on TBL going into the all-star break.
http://tbo.com/sports/lightning/difficult-stretch-awaits-bolts-after-break-20150122/
It’s a good read and it’s nice to know that he sees what we sees so hopefully we can make the changes in game plan that is needed, especially concerning the special teams which needs to be fixed.
(I don't know if the prefix/title is right, if it shouldn't be here or needs fixing please let me know)
Difficult stretch awaits Lightning after All-Star Break
By Erik Erlendsson | Tribune Staff
TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Lightning hit this weekend’s All-Star break on a high note. Winners of 10 of their past 13 games, they are atop the Eastern Conference standings as the league takes a five-day hiatus starting today.
But despite a stellar 30-14-4 record, Tampa Bay is far from a perfect team.
That was the general assessment of team architect and general manager Steve Yzerman, who offered his perspective on several aspects of the Lightning season.
‘“I think in a lot of ways we can improve and we need to improve,’’ Yzerman said.
With Tuesday’s 4-1 victory against Vancouver, the Lightning tied the franchise record of eight consecutive home wins. At 19-4-1 at Amalie Arena, they are a dominant home team.
Away from home, well, they have been average, with an 11-10-3 road record.
“I think, collectively, we are a very young group and it’s difficult to win on the road in the NHL,’’ Yzerman said. “The more experience our young guys get going into these good teams and their buildings and playing these games, it’s a good experience. There are things that we have to do, that we have to go through.
“Generally all of these younger players over time responded well to all of the challenges. And the challenge of playing well on the road, I expect them all to improve.’’
That challenge is not going to get any easier when the season resumes Tuesday in Carolina.
The Lightning have played 48 games, more than all of the teams below them in the standings, and have a difficult stretch in February with 12 consecutive games against Western Conference opponents, including eight on the road. Tampa Bay plays Los Angeles, Anaheim and St. Louis twice each and has road games against Nashville and Dallas. The Lightning close February with a home game against Chicago.
Most of those teams are considered to be “heavy’’ teams that try to wear down opponents physically. The Lightning are considered a “light’’ team that can run into trouble against bigger teams.
http://tbo.com/sports/lightning/difficult-stretch-awaits-bolts-after-break-20150122/
It’s a good read and it’s nice to know that he sees what we sees so hopefully we can make the changes in game plan that is needed, especially concerning the special teams which needs to be fixed.
(I don't know if the prefix/title is right, if it shouldn't be here or needs fixing please let me know)
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