Editor’s note: Why do we cover the Adirondack Thunder? We cover them because they are the unofficial affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Lightning system goaltender Nicola Riopel was lent to them this season; Shane Conacher too. We are also lucky enough to have Trace to report on them for us, so why not?
The Adirondack Thunder faced their first real schedule challenge of the 2017-18 season: a grueling 4 games in 6 days stretch that included a 3-in-3 weekend. Although the offense was there, the defense is learning you can’t just lean on your goaltender alone to do the job.