Plus: The impact of Alex Barre-Boulet
| Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters |  | | [CHARLES REX ARBOGAST | Associated Press] | | With the Lightning in, now to ensure they're a tough out | The Lightning clinched a playoff berth with Tuesday's 7-4 win in Chicago and now have seven games remaining to round into form for the postseason. On a night in which it set a season high for goals scored, the team couldn't help but think about the four it allowed in the victory.
"We just gave up four goals," defenseman Mikhail Sergachev said. "In the playoffs, that's not going to be good (enough) for us. I wouldn't say we've got to figure it out, we're on the right track, but we've just got to keep our goals low and help our goalie and block some shots and just be on it every game, because in the playoffs, every game could be your last pretty much."
Sergachev is right. The Lightning already know that they need to prepare themselves for low-scoring, tightly contested battles in the playoffs and one mistake in the defensive end can doom a series.
They know the key to winning a Stanley Cup is playing strong defense. And while the Lightning have had plenty to play for over the last several games, including a division title and playoff seeding, their main goal should be refining their game, especially defensively.
— Eduardo A. Encina, eencina@tampabay.com | | | | Gain unlimited access to Lightning, Buccaneers and Rays coverage for about $1 a week! | | | |  | | [CHRIS SWEDA | Tribune News Service] | | Rookie Alex Barre-Boulet making an impact | How do you follow up a game-tying score for your first NHL goal? Score another big goal in your next game. That's what rookie Alex Barre-Boulet did in the Lightning's win over the Blackhawks on Tuesday night.
The 23-year-old has just nine NHL games under his belt, but he's already become a factor on the Lightning's first forward line, meshing well with Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat, and is playing a big role on the team's first power-play unit.
Who knows where he fits when players like Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov return, but as defenseman Victor Hedman said, "He's just finding his stride in the NHL. He's going to be a big, big, big part of our team." | | .jpg) | | [DIRK SHADD | Times] | | In case you missed it ... | • Despite hot start, rookie Ross Colton knows he hasn't arrived
• Lightning unveil Stanley Cup rings, offer version to fans
• Tom Brady takes in Lightning game at Amalie Arena
• Lightning, Bucs, Rays, Rowdies celebrate Champions Day in Tampa Bay
• Forget the standings. Lightning are still the team to beat in the NHL. | | | Remaining regular season schedule | Thursday: Lightning vs. Stars, 7 p.m.
Saturday: Lightning at Red Wings, 3 p.m.
Sunday: Lightning at Red Wings, 3 p.m.
May 5: Lightning vs. Stars, 7 p.m.
May 7: Lightning vs. Stars, 7 p.m.
May 8: Lightning at Panthers, 7 p.m.
May 10: Lightning at Panthers, 7 p.m.
Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieInTheYard. | | Did someone forward this to you? Get Lightning Strikes in your own inbox next time. It's free to subscribe. Sign up here. | | | | |
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