DETROIT β As the visiting dressing room at Little Caesars Arena began to clear out around him Saturday night, defenseman Victor Hedman sat at his stall and replayed the chance that could have launched another late third-period comeback for the Lightning.
Hedman had the potential game-tying goal on his stick and an open net in front of him, an opportunity to send the game against the Red Wings to overtime with an extra-attacker goal in the final minute of regulation. Jake Guentzel did just that the previous night in Chicago, fueling a much-needed overtime win over the Blackhawks. Moments later, Detroit sealed the game with an empty-net goal, sending the Lightning home with a frustrating loss and a record on the four-game trip, all three losses coming to division teams.
Despite 31 scoring chances, including 16 that were considered high-danger, according to Natural Stat Trick, Tampa Bay was shut out for the first time this season. Having played fewer games than other teams throughout the season. January was the month they would have to pay it back and take advantage of their games in hand. They have gone against teams from the Atlantic this month and this season. It makes the upcoming five-game homestand even more critical. After that, Tampa Bay has two home games against division foe Ottawa before another road back-to-back Feb.
Getting four points out of a back-to-back is difficult enough; having two in a six-day span β the trip began with games in Toronto and Montreal on consecutive nights β is brutal.
In January, the Lightning have flown 11 times and spent 16 nights in hotels. So, that can come into effect. But guys are still making plays. Guys are competing their tails off.
