The Lightning won the game 5-1 and controlled the game from start to finish. The game was a surprise for many as the Lightning are expected to win the Stanley Cup but not utterly dominate the way they did. Game One saw the team take advantage of a few matchups. Likewise, the team found elements of on-ice play that they could exploit, and did. It’s unclear how the rest of the series will play out and whether the Canadiens will make the proper adjustments but the opening game raised some eyebrows.
Play From the Point
It’s hard to watch the opening game and not notice how the Lightning won the game with their point play. Specifically, the defensemen set the tone for the game and won in all three zones. The Lightning defensemen particularly were able to cut off odd-man rushes and Canadiens attempts to carry the puck through the neutral zone. Moreover, Victor Hedman and Mikhail Sergachev played aggressively throughout the game and created turnovers in the defensive zone with the sole intention of starting up the offense again.
This series was going to come down to which defensive unit could set the pace of the series. Both teams have depth on their defense but it was going to come down to specifics. The Lightning defensemen eliminated the Canadiens offense throughout the game and were able to control the puck in the offensive zone. The Canadiens need to set up their offensive zone presence to also set up their play from the point but the Tampa defense has overwhelmed them thus far, making the series look like their thus far.
Fluke goals by Design
It’s easy to regard the goals that the Lightning scored as “fluke goals”. There’s a real cause for the claim considering the goals would come off a lucky bounce or a re-directed puck. The more one watches the goals, the more one starts to think that the chaos was by design. The Lightning knew they needed to find creative goals off Carey Price, a world-class goaltender.
As a result, they centered shots on the net rather than fire them directly at Price, resulting in two of their goals. Likewise, the power-play goal that the offense scored was possible with the chaos that ensued from the puck being along the boards rather than a set play. The Lightning are going to test Price throughout the Stanley Cup Final, it’s a matter of how they will test him. They will continue to fire shots on the net, particularly, chaotic shots and ones through traffic.
Vasilevskiy’s Dominance Continues
One of the noticeable things in the recent game that stood out was how dominant Andrei Vasilevskiy was, again. Vasilevskiy didn’t face many shots from the Canadiens rather his ability allows the coaching staff and defense creativity. The defensemen on the Lightning know they can oftentimes be bailed out if they make a mistake, with a world-class goaltender behind them. This allows the Lightning defensemen to play aggressively throughout the game and willing to force extra turnovers. The defensemen can press in the offensive and neutral zone and as a result, allows the offense to play even better.
The Lightning are aware they are one of the best teams in the NHL and reigning Stanley Cup Champions. However, one of the greatest benefits for the Lightning is the fact that they know who they are and what they can run as a result. They know their defensemen can press in the offensive zone, allowing the team to be more attacking while also capable of making plays off the rush. Likewise, they know they have one of the top goaltenders in the NHL and can play with an edge to make it even more difficult to score.
