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In their home opener, the Tampa Bay Lightning fell to the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Tuesday night. After a promising start, the game flipped script in the third period with a heroic Flyers’ comeback. The Lightning have now started the season losing three of their first first four games.
Flyers Comeback Down 2-0
Tuesday night’s game started off strong for the Lightning. They would take a 2-0 lead over the Flyers in the second period, with Steven Stamkos scoring both goals. After a few minutes of back and forth, Flyers left winger Scott Laughton scored heading into the third period. In the third period, Tampa lost control of the game. The Flyers scored two unanswered goals in the period and took the game 3-2.
Overall, Tampa lead the Flyers in shots on goal and power plays throughout all three periods. It let it slip away in the closing period. Philly lead a terrific comeback that won them the game and spoil Tampa’s home opener.
THE FLOOD CATES ARE OPEN.#PHIvsTBL | #FueledByPhilly pic.twitter.com/SKMhOpKISS
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 19, 2022
Lightning Struggle
After playing in only four games so far, Tampa is off to a rough start with a 1-3 record. It has lost three games and is currently sitting at No. 8 in the Atlantic. Its schedule is not getting any easier as four of its next five games are on the road.
Tampa is coming off of a loss in the Stanley Cup Finals. If it wants to avenge that loss and compete for the Stanley Cup yet again, it must get back in the win column and stay healthy throughout the season. It’ll also need its stars to perform to level they are capable of. Right winger Nikita Kucherov and defender Victor Hedman came into the season as arguably some of the top players in the NHL. Their performances in the next few games are key if they want to direct this season into the right direction.
Couldn't get it done.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 19, 2022
What’s Next For Tampa?
Tampa has two days off following its loss on Tuesday. It will then travel to Sunrise to take on the Florida Panthers on Friday, and will then host the New York Islanders on Saturday. Next week, Tampa will go on a three-game road trip to close out October.
