Stamkos Gets 3 Points as Lightning Defeat Predators 6-2

It’s been a long month for Tampa Bay Lightning fans, with the team playing poor hockey for most of April. However, these last two games have settled things down. The first of these two was an 8-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Steven Stamkos broke the franchise point record.  The second game, on Saturday night, was a 6-2 win against the Nashville Predators.

With yet another big win in the books, here are five takeaways from the Lightning’s blowout victory against the Predators.

1. Rest Was Needed for Vasilevskiy

If you haven’t watched playoff teams regularly over their final games, it’s common for top goalies to get rested or not even dress for some games. With Vasilevskiy struggling some of late, it’s best for the Lightning to have him rest. He needs to be ready for the playoffs.

2. Stamkos is Looking for 100

Stamkos has had 98 points before in his career but has yet to hit 100. With just four games left, Stamkos sits at 93 points and is looking to hit that 100 mark for the first time in his career. If he can pull that off, it’ll be a great achievement for his hall of fame career. He has nine points in his last three games.

3. Ross Colton…WOW!!!

Ross Colton, who was slow to start the 2021-22 season, has been on fire in the last couple of weeks. With his amazing overall play and his ability to score goals with ease, Colton has become the player fans have been hoping for. If he can keep this play up, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that he could be a top-six player next season.

4. Hedman Continues to Amaze

Victor Hedman has had an amazing season but has not gotten the high praise around the league when all the talk for the Norris Trophy is about Cale Makar and Roman Josi. If he can keep up this play in the playoffs, along with Ryan McDonagh playing the way he did in last season’s playoffs yet again, then fans should expect to have a fun time watching the Lightning in this season’s playoffs.

5. Once Again, It’s Time to Focus on Playoffs

It’s the time of the season when it’s pretty well known who the Lightning will face at the beginning of the playoffs. If the Lightning rest their players properly and make sure they know how to counter Toronto’s strong offense, then the Lightning should be able to take the series, but the playoffs are where anything can happen.