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Lightning coach isn’t concerned about lull for ‘Triplets’

Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov, Ondrej Palat

Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov, Ondrej Palat

AP

Heading into the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, the story for the Stanley Cup Final was as much about “The Triplets” as it was about Steven Stamkos. The trio of Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov didn’t fare so well for the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1, however.

The three couldn’t get much done against the Chicago Blackhawks in an eventual 2-1 loss, and the Tampa Times points out that Johnson’s struggles have persisted for several games now.

Don’t expect Lightning head coach Jon Cooper to panic about it, though.

“They’ve proven time and time again, they may be kept off the score sheet a game here, a game there, but you’re not going to keep them off for long,” Cooper said. “Those kids will find a way.”

Whatever way you look at it, Game 1 really wasn’t flattering to the trio.

All three boasted disappointing possession stats. “The Triplets” combined for just two shots on goal, and none of them came from Kucherov.

Considering the two-way talent that Chicago possesses, this is likely the biggest scoring challenge that Palat, Johnson and Kucherov have faced. At least their coach is confident they can get done, though.