Jan 24, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate their victory following the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Tampa Bay won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Lightning Finding their Identity?

Just over halfway through the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning (22-22-5) are still trying to find their identity. After finishing with a 46-31-5 record a season ago, the Lightning are not currently on pace to repeat that. Tampa Bay finished second in the Atlantic division and sixth in the Eastern conference. At the Midway point of last year, the Lightning were ten games over .500.

Recent games

The Lightning are yet to successfully go on a five game win streak this year, after doing so twice last season by this time.  They are coming off a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks (30-15-5), who are second in the Central Division. That win ended a three game losing streak for the Lightning. Two of those losses came via the top two teams in the Pacific division, the San Jose Sharks (31-16-2) and the Anaheim Ducks (27-14-9).

https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/824119608793763842

Statistics

Tampa Bay ranks fifth in power play percentage, 15th in goals per game, 18th in penalty kill percentage and 23rd in goals against.

The Lightning are led in scoring by Nikita Kucherov with 43 points. He is tied for 14th in the league in that category alongside Jeff Carter, Alex Ovechkin and Nikolaj Ehlers. Kucherov also led the Lightning last season, finishing up with a total of 66 points.

All-Stars

There will be two first time All-stars coming from Tampa Bay, despite the lackluster team play. The aforementioned Nikita Kucherov and defensive anchor Victor Hedman will both represent the team during the festivities. Hedman is also the second leading scorer for the Lightning with 38 points. He is fresh off signing an eight year contract extension as well.

The Tampa Bay Lightning can still turn their inconsistent season around. If the team can find a way to sneak into the postseason, they are sure to be a threat.

Their next game will be on the road against the Florida Panthers (20-19-10) on Thursday. Scheduled start time is set at 7:30 p.m.

About Anthony Williams

Telecommunications Student at the University of Florida WUFT Reporter Blogger

Check Also

Orange & Blue Sports Network

Catch the student-led broadcasts from the College of Journalism and Communications right here.

LIVE THREAD: National Signing Day

Here’s an updated thread of all the recruits who picked the Gator hat today! RB …

AFC Divisional Round Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

During last weekend’s NFL Wild Card round, the Steelers made a statement by handing the Dolphins a …

Houston Looking For an Upset in Foxborough

The saying has always been “it’s hard to beat a good team twice,” and in …

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Tonight

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing each other once …

Possible Additions to McElwain’s Recruiting Class Visiting this Weekend

With National Signing Day less than three weeks away, the Gators are hosting several talented …

Florida Gymnastics Prepares for Season Opener

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Gator gymnastics team will kick off their season this Sunday …

Surprised Gators Promote Randy Shannon To Defensive Coordinator? You Shouldn’t Be

Florida’s head coach, Jim McElwain, announced Friday morning that Randy Shannon would be making the …

Quarterbacks in Spotlight for NFL Wild Card Weekend

The NFL Wild Card kicks off Saturday and the quarterback situations could not be any more different. On …

College Football Playoff Shakes Up Schedule

The College Football Playoff was a success in its first year. Yet, that doesn’t stop …

Michael Jordan Speaks out about Shootings, Police Officers

NBA great Michael Jordan opened up about his thoughts about shootings of African-Americans and the …

Treon Harris to Transfer

With the college football season approaching, the Florida Gators have announced that former starting QB …

USA Basketball Wins Second Exhibition Game

Just a few short days after their big win over Argentina, team USA won its …

Charlotte Is No Longer The Home Of The 2017 NBA All-Star Game

The House Bill 2 came between Charlotte, North Carolina and the 2017 All-Star Game. The …

Tampa Bay Rays Continue Series Against Oakland

The Tampa Bay Rays are continuing their three-game winning streak. The Rays defeated the Oakland …

MLB Preview Tonight

It’s summer time—the best time to go to a baseball game and experience the atmosphere. …

Braves Begin Series With Rockies

The Atlanta Braves (33-62) open up a four-game road series with the Rockies (43-51) tonight …

Marlins To Close Out Series With The Phillies

The Miami Marlins are in the middle of a crucial ten game span against NL East …

Rays Crush Rockies 11-3, Face A’s Next

In the midst of a terrible season that has seen the Tampa Bay Rays (37-57) …

American League Second Half Outlook

The second half of the baseball season is in full swing which translates to? Pennant races. Teams …

National League Evening Preview

Tonight is a busy night for the National League in the MLB. Starting with the …

Big 12 Looks To Expand

Following a Tuesday meeting between Big 12 presidents, Oklahoma president David Boren announced that the …

LSU Looks To Capitalize On Its Opportunity

The Louisiana State University Tigers will enter the 2016 college football season with high expectations, …

Muschamp Helps Close Out SEC Media Days 2016

It wasn’t Will Muschamps first SEC Media Days experience, but 2016 marked the first time …

Phil Mickelson Leads British Open After First Day

The 145th annual 2016 British Open is underway at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. The …

Missouri’s Football Crisis: Rebuilding A Program

On the final day of SEC Media Days, Barry Odom took the stand as Missouri’s head …

Second Half Of MLB Season Begins

The All-Star Break is a good time for teams to rest up and reform themselves …

British Open Underway

The 145th Open Championship is already underway at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Welcome …

Newberry Softball Caps Week With Third Run-Rule Win In A Row

By Hannah Getman and Adam Edelin  The Newberry High School softball team beat the Eastside …