The Lightning had an all-around off night, and could not get much going on offense against the Blues. Although they did generate a few good chances, especially in the final minute of the game, for the most part the offense looked sluggish. The Bolts could not capitalize on any of their powerplays, and in fact even gave up a short-handed goal. They were only able to muster 2 shots on goal in the entire second period, in an apparent attempt to emulate the Flyers' lack of shots a few days ago.
Mathieu Garon started to give Dwayne Roloson a much-needed breather, and played fairly well. The first goal he gave up was through a screen of abour 4 or 5 skaters, so it's tough to fault him on that, and the goal he allowed in the second period was a result of an unlucky odd-man rush by St. Louis in the closing seconds. The third Blues goal, however, was set up by a Garon turnover behind the net. Garon did what a good backup goalie should do be able to do in these spot starts, but the team in front of him could not provide enough support.
Hopefully Victor Hedman and Ryan Malone are close to returning, as part of the sluggishness could be caused by the lack of depth right now. When a team is without a top-6 forward and a top-4 defenseman (2 if you include Mattias Ohlund, who is still a ways a way from returning), then they are bound to have their off nights. Luckily, they next head up to Winnipeg in the first visit to this new incarnation of the Jets. Going back to their Atlanta days, the Lightning have a 12-game win streak versus the franchise.
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