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.
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.
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? 
The way the Lightning have adjusted their game is so refreshing! They're not taking unnecessary risks like they used to 
. 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!
. 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? 
. Can't they just be happy with winning, right? 
and I love how he talks about the team working together 
. It's all about being responsible and having each other's backs, right? 
, making these big changes to turn their game around. I'm rooting for them! 
️
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 
. 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!!!
and now they get to reap the rewards of all that hard work 
. And yeah, the team's defensive solidity hasn't taken a hit either, which is awesome.
. 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 
.
. 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 
. 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 
. 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 
. I mean, who doesn't love watching a well-executed power play setup? 
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 