In terms of offence, this has been a down year for Tyler Johnson of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A dynamic offensive threat in each of the last two seasons, but especially in 2014-15 when he helped the Bolts to the Stanley Cup Final, Johnson’s production has declined this season with five goals and 16 points prior to Wednesday’s game with Detroit.
But perhaps he can use his performance against the Red Wings as a boost for the stretch drive.
In just over 16 minutes of ice time, Johnson scored once -- the winner in the second period -- and had a team-best five shots on goal as the Lightning defeated Detroit by a final score of 3-1.
That was the best I've seen Tyler Johnson play all season. Reminiscent of how dynamic he was in playoffs. Great sign for #TBLightning
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) February 4, 2016
It was just over a month ago that Johnson said his wrist was finally fully healed after it was broken during the Stanley Cup Final against Chicago last June.
With the win, the Lightning move into sole possession of second in the Atlantic Division, five points back of the once again red-hot Florida Panthers, winners of four straight.
Ben Bishop (24 saves) picked up his 20th win of the season and 100th win in a #TBLightning sweater tonight
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) February 4, 2016
Bishop on tonight's victory over Detroit: "It was one of our biggest wins of the season, if not the biggest." #TBLightning
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) February 4, 2016