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The Lightning’s optimism took some serious hits on Friday

Tampa Bay Lightning v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 23: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Verizon Center on December 23, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

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The story of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2016-17 season often feels like “one step forward, two steps back.”

Thursday represented the step forward, and it even sort of felt it that way that night. Friday provided the two steps back: the Lightning dropped a humbling 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals. The Bolts also left the game far less healthy, a significant bummer since injuries have already been an issue for the Lightning.

About the best news is that Victor Hedman seems like he’s OK after an injury scare.

Jonathan Drouin and Braydon Coburn may not have been so lucky. Both players were unable to return from their injuries on Friday, and as the Tampa Bay Times’ Roger Mooney reports, their outlooks are unclear at the moment.

So, the Lightning suffered an embarrassing loss and might have dealt with injury losses, too. Quite a way to sweep away the goodwill they were seemingly building just the night before.

One step forward, two steps back.