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SABRES 4, LIGHTNING 1: Slow start again leads to more lost ground in the East.
By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 26, 2002
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- You know things are going badly for a hockey team when just about every answer to every question begins with someone shaking his head in disbelief.
That was how it was Friday night in the Lightning locker room.
Tampa Bay was never a factor in a dreadful 4-1 loss to the Sabres at HSBC Arena, and it left some players wondering what is going through the team's collective mind.
There was no finger pointing, but players said that after losing three of four and the past two by a combined 9-2, it was time for some self-evaluation.
"We have to learn to play with some emotion," left wing Dave Andreychuk said. "Guys are going to have to change their mental preparation because whatever they're doing, it's not working."
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist," center Brad Richards said. "Go out and play. We're playing in a different league right now. We're not ready to play. We're not winning battles. I can't explain it. In this league you have to win as a team, but individually you have to take it upon yourself to be prepared."
Considering the circumstances, preparation would seem the least of the team's worries.
Tampa Bay was just six points out of the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot after Monday's 3-2 win over the Devils, and its current four-game road trip includes teams that could be part of the scramble.
Still, the Lightning has played with all the emotion of a 15-year-old dragging himself out of bed to get to early morning classes.
While that problem has been most pronounced this week -- four first-period shots Friday means the team has six in the first 20 minutes of the past two games -- it has been festering.
Tampa Bay has allowed the first goal in nine consecutive games. And three times in the past four it has fallen behind at least 2-0 in the first period.
Lightning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin struggled for the third time in four games, allowing two goals on nine first-period shots. And while both came on deflections, he has allowed eight on 27 shots to start those three games.
"You're not going to win a hockey game in the first period, but you sure can lose," said center Tim Taylor, who returned after missing eight of nine games with a groin strain. "If you're getting pucks on goal and driving to the net, then the other team knows it's in for a long night, and that's been our downfall."
Making a major contribution to that downfall was Sabres left wing Taylor Pyatt, who scored his second and third goals of the season. Goaltender Marty Biron made 21 saves as Buffalo snapped a two-game losing streak.
Tampa Bay's Fredrik Modin got his 14th goal in the third period, but by then Buffalo had a 4-0 lead.
"We didn't play well," was about all displeased coach John Tortorella had to say.
The score might have been worse had Khabibulin not regained some form and stopped two breakaways by Maxim Afinogenov and 29 shots overall.
"I thought Khabibulin made three or four great saves to keep the score where it was," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said.
Tampa Bay helped by going 0-for-6 on the power play, including a four-minute advantage with Jason Woolley in the penalty box for high-sticking that resulted in four fairly easy-to-handle shots.
The power play is another ongoing problem. Tampa Bay has converted just four of its past 47 chances and is on an 0-for-20 streak.
Even with its problems, the Lightning is still only eight points behind the Devils and Canadiens for the East's final playoff spot, so there is time to make some noise.
The question is, are the players prepared to do so?
"We're all professionals here," Richards said. "We have to be prepared. There is no other way and it has to start right now -- if it's not too late."