Bolts by the Bay
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5 Takeaways from Lightning vs. Panthers Game 4

ByHenry Yoho|
(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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May 23, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) defend Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) defend Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Commitment to Defense

Ever since game six against Toronto, we have seen a completely different Tampa Bay Lightning team defensively. A lot of that has to do with Andrei Vasilevskiy, but the commitment in front of him has been quite admirable.

The shot blocking effort on shot after shot in this series was what brought the Lightning to another level. Everybody was getting into shooting lanes and laying everything out on the line. They looked like a team wanting their first cup.

In the five games since game six against the Leafs, Tampa Bay has allowed just four goals. Yes, the goaltender has been incredible, but the team effort to defend cannot go unnoticed.

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