As for the Lightning, they are, without question, mired in their biggest slump in quite some time. Their 5-game winless skid is their longest since March of 2014. They are not a confident bunch, which has led to hesitant play. Playing hesitantly will spell trouble against an aggressive team like Carolina. The Lightning simply didn't have the puck, especially during the first two periods. Over the opening 40 minutes, they managed just four shots on goal and only 17 total attempts.
Their problems in this game were compounded when Victor Hedman was injured early in the second period, so they went the majority of the game with only five defensemen. Mikhail Sergachev also missed some time after he blocked a shot in the third period, but he stayed on the bench and ended up returning to the game before it ended.
The Lightning need to regain some of their swagger and confidence. They have the next four games at home as they try to get things back on track.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Brian Engblom):
1. Jesperi Kotkaniemi - Hurricanes. Goal and four assists.
2. Teuvo Teravainen - Hurricanes. Hat trick.
3. Martin Necas - Hurricanes. Three assists.
