Tampa Bay Lightning’s Low-Risk Style Leading To A ‘Zillion’ Chances

The Tampa Bay Lightning's Shift to Low-Risk Hockey Pays Off with "A Zillion" Chances

In a stunning turn of events, the Lightning have transformed their game from high-risk, high-reward to low-risk, high-reward. No longer are they surrendering crucial chances to opposing teams; instead, they're now creating an onslaught of scoring opportunities.

This drastic shift in approach is largely due to coach Jon Cooper's decision to take more responsibility off the team's plate and adopt a more measured pace. The results have been nothing short of remarkable, with the Lightning currently riding a four-game winning streak.

"We've taken so much risk out of our game," said Cooper, highlighting how this change has trickled down through the roster. "There was too much risk (earlier) and we were feeding other teams' rushes, feeding them chances."

By playing more responsibly, the Lightning have managed to limit their opponents' scoring chances, while simultaneously increasing their own. This shift in mentality has been instrumental in their recent resurgence.

For players like Brandon Hagel, this new approach is music to his ears. "The 'D' is doing an incredible job of getting the puck up the ice and letting the forwards (maintain) their speed," he said after scoring a power play goal against Dallas. "Being able to get the puck out and not spending as much time in the 'D' zone. When you do not spend as much time in the 'D' zone, you have much more energy for the 'O' zone."

The Lightning's rapid pace is now complemented by a newfound sense of responsibility, allowing them to maintain their high level of play without sacrificing an ounce of defensive solidity.

"It is a shame we came out of that game without any points," said Cooper after the team's latest win. "We have to keep getting better in practice, watching video and taking it one day at a time."

As they head into a crucial stretch against Western Conference teams, the Lightning will be put to the test once again. But for now, their low-risk approach has paid off with an abundance of scoring chances.

"We have a lot of belief in this room that we will continue to do this," said Hagel. "It will be a really big test on the road."

Their recent success is a testament to the team's adaptability and willingness to make adjustments. And as they continue to ride their four-game winning streak, one thing is clear: the Lightning are here to stay.

Ugh, I'm getting so sick of how cluttered this forum is I mean, can't we just have a simple thread without 10 other people chiming in with their two cents? And what's with all these articles that just repeat the same basic analysis over and over? Like, I get it, the Lightning are playing good hockey, but do we really need 20 comments about it?

And can we please get some better moderation around here? I swear, every other post is a spammer or a troll. It's like they're actively trying to ruin the experience for everyone else.

I'm starting to think that maybe I should just move my hockey thread to that new forum down the street... at least there, it's not getting buried under all this noise

The way the Lightning have adjusted their game is so refreshing! They're not taking unnecessary risks like they used to . It's awesome that coach Cooper has made those changes and it's paid off big time . Now they're getting so many chances to score, it's crazy ! I love how players like Hagel are talking about the 'D' doing a great job at getting the puck up the ice and letting the forwards do their thing . It's amazing how this new approach has made them stronger on both ends of the rink ️. Can't wait to see what they do next!

I just watched this game with my friends and I'm like totally confused what's going on . So the Tampa Bay Lightning changed their strategy and now it's all about creating scoring chances instead of giving them away? Like, isn't that kinda the opposite of what they were doing before?

And I don't get why they're saying it's a shame to not score points if they win . Can't they just be happy with winning, right?

But for real though, Brandon Hagel seems like a super chill player and I love how he talks about the team working together . It's all about being responsible and having each other's backs, right?

And coach Jon Cooper sounds like a total boss , making these big changes to turn their game around. I'm rooting for them! ️

THE LIGHTNING ARE ON FIRE AND I COULDN'T BE MORE PUMPED UP!!! THEY'VE GOT THIS LOW-RIISK HOCKEY THING DOWN PAT AND IT'S PAID OFF BIG TIME WITH ALL THOSE SCORES . I MEAN WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO SEE THAT MUCH CHAUCHESS COMING THEIR WAY? COOPER MADE THE RIGHT CALL IN GETTING RID OF ALL THAT RISKY STUFF AND NOW THEY'RE REaping THE BENEFITS . BRANDON HAGEL'S WORDS ARE MUSIC TO MY EARS, TOO - IT'S ABOUT TIME THE 'D' DIDN'T HAVE TO BE ON DEFENSE ALL GAME . KEEP IT UP, LIGHTNING!!!

man this teams shift to low-risk hockey is crazy how they went from giving up too many chances to creating an onslaught of scoring opportunities it makes sense that taking away the risk would help them maintain a high level of play without sacrificing defensive solidity, i mean who wants to give up chances to opposing teams? but seriously it's great to see them adapt and make adjustments to come out on top, Brandon Hagel seems like a cool dude for saying the D is doing an incredible job getting the puck up the ice and now they get to reap the rewards of all that hard work

I'm loving this new direction for the Lightning! They're creating so many scoring chances now that it's almost unfair on the opposing teams . I agree with coach Cooper that they used to be too aggressive and were giving up way too many chances, but now they're playing smarter and it's paying off big time.

I'm also glad to see players like Brandon Hagel speaking up about how this new approach is benefiting them personally - more speed and energy in the 'O' zone is music to their ears . And yeah, the team's defensive solidity hasn't taken a hit either, which is awesome.

But I do think it'll be interesting to see how they handle some of the tougher games coming up against Western Conference teams... can they maintain this momentum? We'll have to wait and see!

I'm loving how the Lightning have shifted their game from all-in to more calculated risk-taking ! It's awesome to see them playing with a newfound sense of responsibility and it's really paying off on the ice . I mean, who doesn't love scoring chances galore? But what impresses me most is how this change has affected the team's overall defensive solidity - it just goes to show that you don't have to sacrifice defense for offense .

It's also great to see the players buying into the new system and adapting so well . Brandon Hagel's comments about the defenseman doing an incredible job of getting the puck out are spot on . The Lightning's ability to maintain their high level of play while still being responsible is something we should all be taking note of .

Now, I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit nervous about how they'll handle some of those tough road games against Western Conference teams . But for now, it's all good vibes and let's keep the momentum going! ️

The Lightning's new approach is defo working . It's like they're finally understanding that sometimes less is more . I mean, who needs all that risk and chaos when you can just play smart hockey ? Coach Cooper's done a great job of changing the team's mindset, and it's paid off big time . The players seem to be enjoying it too, like they're finally able to breathe a bit more out there . And let's be real, their opponents are getting frustrated with all these chances not going in . It's been fun watching them dominate games lately .

lol what a crazy turn of events for the lightning! I mean, who would've thought they'd switch up their whole gameplan like that? it's been a wild ride watching them go from high risk to low risk and boom, they're lighting up the scoreboard!

i'm loving this new 'd-zone' focused approach btw, players are getting more chances to score without having to worry about giving up too many. Brandon Hagel is living his best life right now . The lightning's defense has been solid as ever, it's just great to see them maintaining that level of play while still scoring at will.

their coaching team deserves props for making the call and the players are reaping the benefits. It's gonna be fun to watch them take on some tough opponents in the next stretch! ️

I'm lovin' this shift in strategy by the Tampa Bay Lightning . It's all about finding that balance between taking calculated risks and not giving away too many chances to the opposing team. Coach Jon Cooper has made some savvy moves, and it's paid off big time! The players are feeding off this newfound sense of responsibility, and it's creating an onslaught of scoring opportunities .

It's not perfect, though – there are still gonna be games where they get outplayed or make mistakes . But right now, they're on a roll, and that's what matters. As long as they keep adapting and staying focused, I think they've got a real shot at making some noise in the playoffs .

Let's see how they handle the tough stretch ahead – but for now, I'm feeling optimistic about their chances

I'm loving this shift in the Lightning's game style ! It's like they've finally figured out how to balance being aggressive with not giving up all those crucial chances . I mean, who doesn't love watching a well-executed power play setup? The team's newfound focus on defensive solidity is also super refreshing .

It's interesting to see the players adapt to this new mentality, like Brandon Hagel mentioning how it allows him to maintain his speed without burning out ️. And coach Jon Cooper's right – taking responsibility off their plate has really paid off .

Of course, there's always gonna be haters who'll say they're not as exciting or dynamic as the old Lightning team But honestly, I'm all for a good dose of stability and consistency in sports. Sometimes it's nice to watch a team execute their game plan flawlessly .

Can't wait to see how this new approach holds up against the tough Western Conference teams . Bring it on!