Lightning Strikes | Despite COVID issues, Lightning still on top

Plus: Brayden Point is back and making an impact

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Thursday, December 30, 2021 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters [ CHRIS O'MEARA | Associated Press] Lightning continue to find a way One word we've heard a lot over the past week is "fluid." Whether it's getting back COVID testing results, or reworking a roster decimated by players going into protocol, the Lightning have worked on an hour-to-hour basis.    Upon returning from the holiday break on Sunday, four players — including both rostered goaltenders Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brian Elliott — and a coach joined head coach Jon Cooper in protocol. Anthony Cirelli, pulled out of the room before a team meeting, and Andrej Sustr went into protocol on Monday. No one in the Lightning organization was completely confident Tuesday's home game against Montreal would even be played until puck drop.    They played an already-struggling Canadiens team that was without nine players, but were outplayed out of the gate and for a large chunk of the third period before getting a tying goal with 19.7 seconds left from Corey Perry, then a game-winner from Ondrej Palat early in the 3-on-3 overtime.    The Lightning knew they'd have to protect AHL callup Max Lagace in the net, and they didn't play their best game defensively, but managed to come away with two points to add on to their league-best 46 points entering Friday. And Lagace turned away enough shots to boost his confidence along the way.   Cooper exited protocol and will be on the bench for Thursday's game against Florida, and the Lightning will also get forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare back, but more players — and even a broadcaster — have entered protocol.    With the league shortening the mandatory quarantine time from 10 to five days, the Lightning should begin to get more players back shortly, so help is on the horizon. Oh, and Nikita Kucherov should return in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Lightning just continue to find a way.    A repeat to remember Want to relive the Lightning’s second straight Stanley Cup win? The Tampa Bay Times has a new book for that. Striking Twice commemorates another thrilling NHL championship season. Order yours today! [ CHRIS O'MEARA | Associated Press] Brayden Point returns to lineup in a big way  When Lightning center Brayden Point is at his best, there are few players in the league who can add pace and tempo to a game like he can. Point had been itching to get back into game action after missing five weeks with a shoulder injury, finally returning to the ice for Tuesday's 5-4 overtime win over Montreal.   After a sluggish start, Point led the way like he often can. He changes the game with his speed, and his teammates either keep up or stay behind, and pairing him with fellow speedster Mathieu Joseph and Alex Killorn, who is also in the middle of everything, created a dangerous line combination.    Point was the best player on the ice on Tuesday, scoring two goals early and assisting on Corey Perry's game-tying goal late in the third period. And given the Lightning were without center Anthony Cirelli (and Andrei Vasilevskiy in net) in COVID protocol, they needed him to step up right away.   [PAUL SANCYA | Associated Press ] In case you missed it ... After the hard hits, Lightning players have respect for opponents Lightning head coach Jon Cooper returns from COVID protocol End of year review: The Kuch comeback   End of year review: Lord Stanley spends another summer in Tampa Bay   Gain unlimited access to Lightning, Buccaneers and Rays coverage for about $1 a week! Subscribe now Upcoming games  Tonight: Lightning at Panthers, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Friday: Lightning vs. Rangers, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Sunday: Lightning at Rangers, 12:30 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Tuesday: Lightning at Blue Jackets, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Jan. 6: Lightning vs. Flames, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Jan. 8: Lightning vs. Bruins, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun    Jan. 10: Lightning at Devils, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun   Jan. 11: Lightning at Sabres, 7 p.m., Bally Sports Sun 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. Contact us Privacy policy Terms, conditions & copyright Standard of accuracy © 2021 • All Rights Reserved Tampa Bay Times • 490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 To ensure this email is delivered to your inbox, add custserv@elist.tampabay.com to your address book. You are receiving this email because you signed up for the "Lightning Strikes" newsletter from the Tampa Bay Times. If you’d prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe from this email.