Mishkin’s Extra Shift: Lightning 4, Penguins 3

After being decisively outplayed in Game Three, the Lightning needed a response in Game Four. They got that response, producing a much better overall performance. One that helped them even the series at two games apiece.

Compared to Game Three, the Lightning made improvements in the following areas: puck management, winning puck battles, defensive zone coverage, offensive zone time, puck possession, shots on goal and scoring chances generated. One of the most important was puck management. The Lightning weren’t perfect – they did turn some pucks over, especially in the defensive zone – but credit the Penguins and their hard-charging forecheck for forcing some of those. Still, the Lightning drastically reduced their turnovers, which allowed them to move pucks up the ice and into the offensive zone. Once in the offensive zone, they could put pucks on net and generate chances. Their ability to win more puck battles than in Game Three was also very significant. It’s how they were able to retrieve pucks in the offensive zone and get pucks out of trouble from their own end.

Their improved puck management and battle level were on display in the opening shift. They worked the puck into the offensive zone effectively and Ryan Callahan won a puck battle behind the Pittsburgh net. Eventually, Victor Hedman took a shot from the left point that Callahan deflected past Matt Murray. The goal came just 27 seconds into the game.

The Lightning added to their lead with 5:32 left in the frame. They moved the puck up ice and attacked the Pittsburgh zone with speed. Alex Killorn fed Nikita Kucherov at the left circle. Kucherov took …

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