TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – After a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, Lightning forward Alex Killorn said it was “just the first step” and now they want to “keep going on the right track.” For this to happen, pace and execution are the two key aspects that help them stay in the victory column.
“When we play fast,” said Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, “it means we play fast on defense, fast [the] neutral zone – a few passes and we’re in [offensive] Zone and play fast there and start with shots. But for me, the main thing is defense, not conceding goals.
“I think [it’s] A little bit of everything,” said Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli. “Obviously, I think our biggest thing is trying to be good at [defensive] Edge of the puck, finishing a variety of chances, guarding the middle of the ice. I think once we get back to doing that, it will be good for us.”
“We took definite steps last night,” said Lightning head coach John Cooper. “Now we just have to take a breath and take another step forward tomorrow against a tough Vegas team that beat us a couple of weeks ago.”
Their next game against the Golden Knights on Thursday will be the second of a four-game homestand for the Bolts. With a 23-5-4 record at AMALIE Arena, they’re hoping the home ice – and the crowds – can work in their favor as well.
Sergechev said, “Yes, we have to win something at home, and gain more confidence.” “Obviously it’s great that this [losing] The stretch ended at home. Obviously, you play better in front of your own crowd. Playing in front of your own crowd is more exciting, so it’s good to start fresh [winning] streak.”
“I think we’re comfortable there,” Cirelli said. “The fans are great at AMALIE [Arena], The fans have been incredible since I’ve been there, just to get us up to speed a bit.
Even one of the newest Bolt players, Tanner Jeannott, who has only played three games in Tampa so far, has seen his home crowd boo him — resulting in his appearance as a member of the Tuesday Night Lightning. He got his first victory.
“They’ve been great,” Jeannot said. ,[They’re] Really vigorous, energetic. It definitely brings energy to you when you are out. They’ve been really great and I can’t wait to see what they’re like when we go on a run here.
Looking even further ahead, the Lightning wrapped up their homestands against the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets back-to-back, with just 15 more games in the regular season.
