Power-play woes could cost Lightning the Cup

Sometimes teams win and lose in the playoffs in spite of their power play. The 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Bruins won the Cup with the third-worst playoff power play that year, and the LA Kings captured the Cup despite ranking just sixth in postseason power-play effectiveness last year. In fact, the Lightning had the NHL's best power play last year but were swept by the Canadiens.

But looking at history does not always serve as a good example for how a team should play in the present. This year, the Lightning have the fourth-worst power play of any playoff team, and it isn't something they can afford to ignore. According to The Hockey Writers, the Lightning need to start scoring on the power play in order to spark the team's offense, especially struggling star Steven Stamkos. Tampa was tabbed as a Cup favorite because of its high-octane offense, but aside from a 5-1 win in Game 2, Tampa has yet to show its scoring prowess in this series. That is a particularly bad reflection on the team's offense considering neither of Detroit's goaltenders were playing well enough before the playoffs to determine a clear-cut No. 1 starter. 

Should the Lightning start finding more success on the man-advantage, perhaps they will rebuild the offensive confidence that made this team dominant. If the Lightning can manage that, they might once again resemble a team that was considered by some to be a Stanley Cup favorite.

(h/t The Hockey Writers)