- The Tampa Bay Lightning have struggled since the Olympic break, dropping 7 of their last 9 games.
- Despite the recent skid, the Lightning are still expected to reach the Stanley Cup Finals, though they are seen as the eventual runner-up to the Colorado Avalanche.
- Veteran forward Corey Perry has been a bright spot, providing offense and physicality, but the team's defensive issues have been a concern, with injuries to key players like Max Crozier and the decline of Victor Hedman.
- The Lightning's offense has kept them in games, but the defensive struggles have made it difficult for them to gain momentum and win consistently.