Lightning continue to look overmatched in overtime

TAMPA — Before 2023, one would have been optimistic about the Lightning’s chances in overtime. Their skill and skating ability on paper made them ideal for excelling in the 3-on-3 extra session.

However, the 4-3 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs at Amalie Arena on Saturday night, their ninth consecutive defeat determined after regulation, including three home overtime losses to Toronto in the playoffs, changed that perception. This streak of futility dates back to Feb. 7.

Including games that ended in shootouts, the Lightning have lost 10 of their last 12 games that went beyond regulation. Overtime presents a different game, a fast-paced, open-ice exchange that generates rushes and scoring opportunities.

“We’re going to redefine our approach or modify the personnel we deploy,” expressed a frustrated coach Jon Cooper following the recent loss.

The overtime loss in Buffalo on Tuesday had a different feel to it. Brandon Hagel’s last-second goal in regulation leveled the score and earned them a point on a challenging opening road trip, during which the Lightning lost all three games against division rivals.

Against Toronto, they conceded two goals in a span of two minutes and 22 seconds in the final eight minutes of regulation, resulting in a shift of momentum for the Leafs. In overtime, the Lightning barely had possession of the puck, managing just one shot attempt before John Tavares scored the game-winning goal with 55 seconds remaining. They were outshot 5-0.

Toronto began the overtime session by winning the faceoff and spreading out the ice. They even passed the puck back to their goaltender Joseph Woll to maintain possession. The Lightning did not have control of the puck until slightly over two minutes into the extra period.

Spending an extended time chasing Leafs players in their own zone, defending in open ice, and enduring lengthy shifts proved detrimental to the Lightning’s performance. Additionally, when they did possess the puck, it was only for short intervals.

Hagel had the only real scoring opportunity for the Lightning with 1:11 left in overtime, but he missed the target from the left circle. Shortly after, Hagel attempted a cross-ice pass through the neutral zone that William Nylander intercepted, leading to a 2-on-1 breakaway finished by Tavares for the winning goal.

“You have to be aggressive, trying to force them to the outside and skate,” stated Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. “We attempted that, but they’re skilled players who create opportunities, even passing to their goalie, making it frustrating to catch them. You always feel behind.

“However, when we did have the puck, we did not execute effectively and returned it to them. So, we need to exercise more patience.”

The Lightning found themselves in a similar predicament five nights earlier in Buffalo. From the faceoff in overtime, they never gained possession of the puck. Even when Sabres forward Alex Tuch stumbled in his own zone, Buffalo swiftly reached the puck and spread out, allowing Dylan Cozens to seal the victory with a goal 1:46 into overtime.

Buffalo attempted four shots, including two on goal and one off the crossbar. Hence, they dominated the 3-on-3 play once again.

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