TAMPA — Just when marketing folks at Amalie Arena were kicking around new slogans — “Tampa Bay Lightning: Come See The Goal!” — the boys in blue amassed three tallies against the worst defensive team in hockey.
Not exactly a breakout, but consider the alternative.
Nearing the quarter pole, the Lightning are chasing this season, and expectations, and everyone else, it seems. So much for the hot start. Thursday’s 3-1 win over Calgary was just their third in 10 games. They’re 8-8-2. Montreal is so far ahead the Habs are over the horizon. This is about survival.