Preview: Lightning Look to Take Control of Series

The opening round of a playoff series for the Tampa Bay Lightning ended differently than usual.

With a Game 1 win.

Last night’s winfographic for Game 1 of #TBLvsDET. pic.twitter.com/j7BQnzKQlq

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 14, 2016

Tampa Bay lost three of their four opening games during the playoffs last season. They lost to the Red Wings in Game 1 of the opening round, they lost to the Rangers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and then lost Game 1 of the Championship series against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Lightning Center, Alex Killorn, said that he was glad to start their Stanley Cup run with a win in an opening game.

Even with the absence of star Steven Stamkos, the Lightning offense stepped up to provide critical goals down the stretch including this game winner from Killorn.

Last year during the opening round of the playoffs, the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning traded games until the Lightning took Game Six and Game Seven consecutively. For Tampa, they want to continue their momentum by forcing Detroit into a 2-0 series hole. This will be a pivotal game for the Red Wings before their home games in Detroit for Games 3 and 4.

Game 2 of the series makes a significant difference. A big Tampa win gives the Lightning an added boost to take at least one game in Detroit. A Red Wings win ties up the series and can swing the momentum ahead of the Detroit home games.

Puck drop for Game 2 takes place tonight at 7:00 p.m.