The Tampa Bay Lightning faced some lineup questions heading into Game 1 against the Detroit Red Wings, yet every decision and healthy return ended up helping them win 3-2.
Tyler Johnson was a game-time decision heading in, and guys like Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov weren’t necessarily guarantees to play either. Johnson grabbed two assists, Kucherov scored two goals and grabbed a helper while Hedman had an electric would-be goal that was nullified by a video review.
From the “drama” category: plenty of eyes were on Jonathan Drouin, and the prodigal prospect impressed many with his assertive play.
Drouin is a factor on almost every shift.
— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) April 14, 2016
Jonathan Drouin with the big hit pic.twitter.com/mGvMZAO55N
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 14, 2016
So, the Lightning enjoyed big contributions from guys who may not have been healthy enough to play and one guy who seemed like he’d played his last game for the organization back in late December.
A strange way to do it, you might say, but Tampa Bay played well and now hold a 1-0 series lead against the Red Wings.
#RedWings (2) vs #TBLightning (3)
— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) April 14, 2016
Coburn was best. Drouin had 5 iCF. Kucherov, 6 iCF. Glendening was worst (usual). pic.twitter.com/Xu6L6NuVr7
If the rough stuff and tight play are any indication, this could be quite a dramatic series.