With 53 points in the standings after 46 games, the Tampa Bay Lightning (25-18-3) suddenly lost the precious third place in the Atlantic Division on Thursday evening. Although the Lightning have a few games in hand over their opponents, general manager Julien BriseBois sees a ruthless fight for participation in the playoffs, notably with the Montreal Canadiens.
• Also read: Hours spent with Julien BriseBois: a gift from heaven for a law student from the University of Montreal
“We are aware that the Canadian is going through a good streak and that he is climbing the rankings,” assures BriseBois. We see that there is more and more competition with good teams in the NHL. This is what makes the job of general manager as difficult as it is interesting.”
Due to a tremendous surge that began in mid-December, the CH is now one of the clubs that are playing side by side with the Lightning in the Atlantic, just like the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins. If he is wary of other teams, BriseBois focuses first and foremost on the Lightning situation, especially as the trade deadline, March 7, is quickly approaching.
“In the field of hockey, we first focus our efforts on our own team,” BriseBois logically agreed.
-Great parity in the East
Obviously, the goal scored at the end of the third period by Jake Evans, in the Canadian’s 3-2 victory against the Lightning on Tuesday, only reminded the Lightning’s GM of the extent to which parity is present this season, in the Eastern Association.
Hosting the New Jersey Devils on Saturday at the Bell Center, the Canadian remains at the height of the battle. In addition to the Senators and Bruins, the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers are also “in the mix“. As for the Lightning, they will try to add two precious points in the standings in order to regain third place in the Atlantic section on Friday night in Chicago against the Blackhawks.
In collaboration with our partners
Canada
