Winning the Atlantic Division may not matter all that much to the Tampa Bay Lightning. But after fumbling a lead in the third period Thursday in Dallas - and dropping four points back of the Florida Panthers - the Bolts couldn't hide their prevailing distress.
"We're playing like a fragile team that's scared to lose and not hungry to close out a game," Steven Stamkos said, according Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "We can't let that fear of losing creep in at this time of year."
Lightning coach Jon Cooper relayed a similar sentiment.
"Got to start winning or we won't play much longer."
Less than two weeks ago, Tampa Bay surged to top ranking in the division after a ninth consecutive win.
The team has one win and three points in six games since.
Subban, who suffered a non-serious neck injury and had to be stretchered off the ice eight days ago, performed the more strenuous drills, and looked quite sharp.
The NHL and NHLPA reportedly held an initial meeting in New York on Thursday to discuss the league's ongoing expansion process, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
A framework for the expansion draft, including the rules existing teams would have to abide by in protecting their current rosters, was presented to league executives at the GM meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., on Wednesday.
Dreger notes that the rules governing the ostensibly impending expansion draft won't be negotiated until the NHL confirms whether it will add either one or two new outfits for the 2017-18 season.
Teams are currently expected to be allowed to protect either seven forwards, three defensemen, and a goaltender, or eight skaters of any kind plus a goaltender.
More expansion speculation plus latest on Jagr, Emelin and more in today’s NHL rumor mill. Expansion draft could affect NHL goalie trade market. SI.com: Allan Muir speculates an possible expansion draft next June could lead to an increase in trade activity, as teams try to move unprotected players for draft picks and prospects. As teams […]
Game recaps, Brenden Morrow retires, Leafs raising ticket prices & more in today’s collection of NHL headlines. Notable Game Recaps. LOS ANGELES TIMES: Anze Kopitar scored twice, the second in overtime, as the Los Angeles Kings overcame a 3-1 deficit to edge the New York Rangers 4-3. TRIBLIVE.COM: Sidney Crosby scored twice as the Pittsburgh Penguins […]
DALLAS - Jamie Benn scored two goals to give him a career-best 36, and the Dallas Stars took sole possession of first place in the Western Conference by rallying for a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.
Benn's winning...
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Anze Kopitar scored the tying goal with 4:10 to play and tipped home the winner at 1:34 of overtime, propelling the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday night.
Kopitar deflected a slap...
LOS ANGELES - Anze Kopitar scored the tying goal with 4:10 to play and tipped home the winner at 1:34 of overtime, propelling the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday night.
#LAKings record NHL-high 11th OT win of the season with a comeback 4-3 decision over the #NYRangers. Anze Kopitar gets tying & winning goals
Kopitar deflected a slap shot by Jake Muzzin to end it in dramatic fashion for the Pacific Division-leading Kings, who rallied from a two-goal deficit for their third straight win over a certain playoff team. Los Angeles won after trailing to start the third period for the NHL-best eighth time this season.
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Shane Doan scored with 1:31 left, Mike Smith stopped 27 shots in his first home game in nearly four months and the Arizona Coyotes took advantage of two disallowed goals to beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 Thursday night.
Smith ...
DALLAS - Jamie Benn honoured former teammate Brenden Morrow by showing up for his retirement ceremony at American Airlines Center.
A few hours later, Benn had a more important tribute for the man he replaced as captain of the Dallas Stars, wi...