by Erik Erlendsson | @Erik_Erlendsson | Like us on Facebook

January 4, 2017

TAMPA, Fla. - Defensive stalwarts.

That's what the Lightning coaching staff strives to see out of the players.

Take care of the puck. Take care of your own end. Pay attention to detail.

Among all the offensive skill and firepower Tampa Bay can put on the ice, it's been the defensive play that helped vault the Lightning in to the elite in the league.

But that was before this year. Now?

"We've lost it this year,'' associate coach Rick Bowness said. "We have to have it, there’s no question.''

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