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Power play energizes Lightning

 
Tampa Bay Lightning Ryan Callahan beats Buffalo Sabres goalie Anders Lindback and defenseman Mike Weber to score on a 5 on 3 power play against the Buffalo Sabres during second period action at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Tuesday evening  (03/03/15).
Tampa Bay Lightning Ryan Callahan beats Buffalo Sabres goalie Anders Lindback and defenseman Mike Weber to score on a 5 on 3 power play against the Buffalo Sabres during second period action at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Tuesday evening (03/03/15).
Published March 5, 2015

BRANDON — Coach Jon Cooper has one simple explanation for why the Lightning's once-struggling power play has started to heat up as the playoff race intensifies.

"I think we're getting a little bit more puck luck," Cooper said.

Whether it's luck or new tactics, the Lightning is happy with the result heading into tonight's game against the Maple Leafs. Tampa Bay has scored six power-play goals in its past five games, including two in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Buffalo. Entering Wednesday, only six teams had scored more with the advantage than the Lightning (41 goals), but it was middle of the pack in converting on its chances at 18.1 percent.

One of the lowest points came in December, when the Lightning failed to convert in five consecutive games, with a streak that stretched to 23 consecutive power-play chances.

"We were struggling there for a while," forward Ryan Callahan said. "We were getting chances, but they weren't going in. That weighs on you."

But with six goals in its past 33 chances, the Lightning is starting to feel as if the weight has been lifted, even if some of the goals have been unconventional, such as Steven Stamkos' empty-nett power-play goal in the closing seconds of a win over the Coyotes on Feb. 21.

"I think we're throwing some new looks out there," said Stamkos, who has scored two of the team's past six power-play goals. "We're getting some bounces, and we're shooting the puck. You needed maybe a couple games where you get one or two goals. You get some confidence now. Guys start to feel less pressure. They can lighten the grip on the stick a little bit."

The unit had its first perfect night since January on Tuesday.

Callahan had the first goal on a new look during a five-on-three chance. Tyler Johnson and Valtteri Filppula methodically passed the puck back and forth behind the net before Johnson found a passing lane and fed the puck to Callahan near the crease.

"It's a little bit different wrinkle," Callahan said, "and I think not a lot of teams have seen it."

The Lightning completed the 2-for-2 night a minute and a half later, when Victor Hedman blasted the puck from the right circle just before the advantage expired.

Regardless of whether the success has come from puck luck, skill or evolving methods, the Lightning will take the extra offense for a lineup that had scored 11 more goals than any other team in the league.

"Such a big thing in your power play is your confidence," Callahan said, "and I feel like we have that right now."

ICE CHIPS: Defenseman Matt Carle made another step in his recovery, practicing Wednesday without a red no-contact jersey for the first time. "It's a good step in the right direction," Carle said. Carle has been sidelined since abdominal surgery in January and is eyeing a return next week. … Forward Vladislav Namestnikov was recalled from AHL Syracuse. He has appeared in 26 NHL games this season, with three goals and four assists. … Goalie Ben Bishop seemed fine a day after being shaken up from taking a puck below the belt during the morning skate.