After shanking the first game into the water, Lightning look for first win against Devils

Game Two: New Jersey Devils (0-1-0) at Tampa Bay Lightning (0-1-0)

Time: 7:00 PM EST

Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa

TV/Stream/Radio: Scripps, ESPN+, 102.5 FM, Lightning App, MSGSN2

Odds: Lightning -145

Know the Opponents: All About the Jersey

We’re in one of the great golfing states in the United States so lets talk mulligans. After a nice warm-up on the driving range, the Tampa Bay Lightning proceeded to power fade their first drive right into the middle of Channelside Harbor. So, like any good duffer, they’re not going to count that one and try again. Bring on the New Jersey Devils.

A nice first period was undone when the Lightning were outskated in the second half of the game by the Senators, and Tampa Bay paid the price by dropping two points against a division rival. Still, there were some positives to pull from the game. The power play took advantage of Ottawa’s cautious defense to score twice while racking up six scoring chances and nine shot attempts.

Oliver Bjorkstrand was the Lightning’s best skater with five shot attempts and four scoring chances. He was solid all over the ice, and came close to putting the game out of reach when he flat out stole the puck, wheeled to the slot and forced Linus Ullmark to make a desperation shoulder save. He was quick and decisive on the ice. Perhaps he senses a chance to move up to the Anthony Cirelli Line.

Mitchell Chaffee didn’t generate a lot of offense (0.02 iXG on one shot) but was one of the few forwards that generated any sort of forecheck and he led the team with 10 hits. On the whole the Lightning played a more physical game than we were used to seeing last year as they ended up with 40 hits as a team.

Getting that forecheck going will be the biggest help for their defense. During the stretch of the game where Ottawa had their run of play, they were able to exit the zone way too easily to the point that Ryan McDonagh mentioned it after the game. The Devils can burn them on the transition, so the Lightning will need to clog up the zone exits and slow them down in the neutral zone. That will also take the pressure off of their defenders.

Expect a better effort defensively from them tonight, if, for nothing else, the fact that they spent some time on the ice with each other last game. The regulars didn’t get that many game reps in the pre-season and no amount of practice can duplicate game situations.

It should be a festive night at Benchmark International Arena (still doesn’t sound right) and the energy from the crowd should match opening night. The Bolts will get a second chance to start over, and hopefully, like most golfers on their second drive, they lace this one right down the middle.

Potential Lines

Tampa Bay Lightning

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New Jersey Devils

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