Tampa Bay Lightning C Steven Stamkos: Bolts need to ‘give more of a passionate performance’
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos didn’t mix words when it came to Thursday night’s disappointing 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Tampa Bay Lightning fans were on the edge of their seats on Thursday night as the Lightning returned from their bye week to face the Vegas Golden Knights. With the NHL All-Star Weekend about to begin, things are really starting to get exciting here in the Bolts Nation.
Unfortunately, the excitement in the arena quickly turned into anxiety as the Golden Knights started their onslaught against the Bolts in the very first minute of the game. Needless to say, Vegas didn’t intend on letting off the gas anytime soon. Before the end of the 1st period, Vegas had increased their lead to two.
It wasn’t until the halfway point in the second period when a Power Play opportunity would open the door for Ondrej Palat to pick up his eighth goal of the season and get the Lightning on the board. Little did Lightning fans know at this point, the excitement from the Power Play Goal would be short-lived.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Palat’s second-period goal would be the one and the only goal the Lightning would score in their encounter with the Golden Knights. On the other hand, the Vegas Golden Knights would finish off the evening with four goals, and more importantly, two points.
After the disappointing loss, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos spoke with the media regarding their performance against the Golden Knights and what the team needs to accomplish in order to move forward and get back on the right track.
Stamkos was quick to take responsibility for the team’s performance, placing most of the onus for the team’s loss on his leadership and not setting the standard for the team.
While we all know Stamkos is not the only one “to blame” for the Lightning’s loss to the Golden Knights, it was very commendable for him to step up.
One of the things the captain had to say about his team’s performance as of late is the desperate need to stop starting out games from behind and allowing their opponents to ultimately dictate the pace of the game.
“Again, we’re behind the 8-ball to start games, which has been a trend as of late. It’s too hard of a league to play from behind all the time. I’ll take responsibility, to come out, to play a lot better, and kinda lead the way. Our line didn’t have it tonight.”
The Lightning has always been one of those teams known for their late-game comeback victories. Unfortunately, this is not going to get the team where they want to be at the end of the season. Comebacks are never a guarantee; especially when you’re playing against some of the most talented players in the league.
If the Lightning wants to get back on the right track, one thing they simply must do is eradicate the inconsistency in their play. At times, it seems as if the Bolts play more to their opponents than they do their own abilities. This has caused the Bolts to be handed challenges where there should’ve been clear victories.
The journey to success starts from within. This means each and every player will have to look inside themselves, remember the good and move away from the bad. Most importantly, always strive to reach the next level in their own game, not the standard set before them.
Steven Stamkos was very truthful when he discussed what the team would ultimately need to accomplish moving forward. It involved getting their minds in the right place and giving a complete and passionate effort when they are out on the ice.
“We need to take a look in the mirror, starting with myself, and give more of a passionate performance. You can’t just go out there and expect to win.”
These words ring true here in the Bolts Nation. The Lightning has continued to sit comfortably atop the National Hockey League for a good majority of the season. It reached the point where some believed this was a team which simply could not lose. This couldn’t possibly be further from the truth.
In order for the Lightning to reach where they are today, it took a lot of hard work, diligence, and a deep-rooted desire to achieve their goals. The moment the Bolts allow the passion in their hearts dim, they will start their steep descent from the top.
The Lightning has an opportunity to right the ship and get back on the right course. Tomorrow night, the Lightning will embark on an eight-game road trip, which will keep them away from the Sunshine State until February 8, when they return to face the Vancouver Canucks.
The first stop on this road trip is the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul where they will take on the Minnesota Wild. The last time these two teams met in the center of the ice, the Lightning walked away with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Wild.
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An old saying says “lightning doesn’t strike twice.” Obviously, they’ve never encountered the Tampa Bay Lightning.