The Tampa Bay Lightning portion of the NHL’s Frozen Frenzy ended with Jonas Johansson earning his second career shutout as the Lightning improved to 3-0-1 on home ice with a 3-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.
After giving up a multi-goal lead in the third period on Saturday night against Toronto, the Lightning took a two-goal lead into the third period and not only did not allow another goal, they added another to solidify the 3-0 win.
Defense, Goaltending Stand Tall
The struggles of the Lightning’s defense have been well-told in the early going of the season. They allowed at least three goals in each game so far. Seeing a shutout was obviously a pleasant surprise. Carolina is always among the league leaders in shots on goal per game and Tampa Bay was able to hold them to just 32.
Jonas Johansson has not been at all to blame for the Lightning’s struggles so far this season. Tuesday night was a well-earned shutout for himself as the defense in front of him played their strongest game of the season.
Brayden Point Lights the Lamp
Brayden Point had been noticeably absent in the goal scoring department through the first six games of the season for the Lightning. It was only a matter of time for Point and he finally collected his first goal of the season Tuesday on a re-direct from Victor Hedman in the first period.
🗣️ POINTER OUT FRONT pic.twitter.com/YBHS9kCKCH
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 24, 2023
If Point was going to get going offensively, the power play would be a great place to start. 20 of his 51 goals a year ago came while on the power play while not even being one of the primary options on the Lightning’s top power play. The Lightning power play should continue to produce if Point is able to get in on the scoring now.
Barre-Boulet Impresses, Again
Alex Barre-Boulet has been taking advantage of his opportunity to skate on the Lightning’s top line with Point and Kucherov. It’s been known that he would need to play with other top players to be successful and he is getting that chance now and making the most of it. He scored his second goal of the season in as many games Tuesday night to give the Lightning a 2-0 lead in the second period.
What a play by Alex Barre-Boulet 😮 pic.twitter.com/P7bjTdmdD7
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 25, 2023
Barre-Boulet’s goal was a demonstration of the hockey IQ he is capable of and the skill he has to go with it. If he continues to improve and stay a viable option to play on the Lightning’s top line, that is a huge development for Tampa Bay. They have been incredibly patient with him and he has proven to be too good to be playing in the AHL anymore and he is making the most of his opportunity so far.