The Tampa Bay Lightning lose 5th straight fall 6-0 to Carolina. What in the Wide Wide World of Sports is happening to the Lightning? Here are some disturbing stats from that game and more.
Say What?
The Lightning had a tough game and struggled to generate offense, particularly in the second period where they did not manage to register a single shot on goal.
Despite the efforts of their goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, who made 32 saves, they were unable to turn the game around and ended up losing for the fifth game in a row with a record of 0-4-1.
The Lightning by the way became the first NHL team all year to not register a shot on net in any period. That is absolutely unbelievable to conceptualize considering the talent on this team.
How Easy Was That?
Frederik Andersen had a great game, making 14 saves and earning his first shutout of the season, as well as the 24th of his career. Carolina was also impressive, going 4 for 5 on the power play and outshooting Tampa Bay by a significant margin of 38-14.
I could have played in goal yesterday for the Hurricanes and stopped 14 shots. I'm just blown away by some of these disturbing numbers that the Lightning are generating or should I say, not generating lately.
Jon Cooper's Recent "message" Has Apparently Failed
The Tampa Bay Lightning benched three star players during the third period of their 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point all rode the pine. Buffalo was ahead 4-1 entering the 3rd period.
This isn't the first time the Hurricanes have held a team to zero shots on net in a period. In fact, it's the sixth time in franchise history that they've held an opponent to zero shots on goal in a period.
The first instance of this happening in the past nine years occurred on October 6, 2019, when the Carolina Hurricanes were able to hold the Lightning to zero shots on goal in a regulation period.
Tampa Bay will look to get back on track when they host the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night.
Ross Chastain of Alva Favorite to Land Anheuser-Busch Sponsorship
There are a few iconic numbers and sponsors in NASCAR. Dale Senior's #3, The King's STP #43, and Jimmy Johnson's Lowes car come to the top of mind. Anheuser-Busch is one of those sponsors. The sport needs the iconic light blue Busch Light car. I think it is one of the best sponsorships in the pits. Currently Kevin Harvick drives in the Anheuser-Busch car. But this year is his final year in the Cup, and rumors have already started swirling about where they want their dollars and image next season. And they have identified their man, reportedly. Ross Chastain of Alva is the favorite to land the Budweiser sponsorship for 2024 according to reports online.
Sports Business Journal is reporting that third year team Trackside Racing is the favorite to land the Anheuser-Busch sponsorship after this season. And more specifically, drive Ross Chastain of Alva is the favorite to land Anheuser-Busch sponsorship. Chastain has gotten off to a good start in 2023. He has a 9th place finish n Daytona and a 3rd last weekend in California. Ross Chastain has made waves his first few seasons as a full time CUP driver. The last two seasons he finished 20th in 2021 and 2nd in 2022. He currently has the most points through the first two races out of all the drivers. There's no doubt that Chastain is making his mark on the sport. But for those reporting he is an up and coming talent- you're wrong. He has shown he is one of the best drivers in the sports. And now he will have the iconic backing of Anheuser-Busch.
