The Tampa Bay Lightning ended their road trip last week going 1-2 and they couldn't wait to return home to Benchmark International Arena for their contest against the Winnipeg Jets. Tampa jumped out to an early 1-0 lead before the Jets tied the game.

The Lightning responded with a 4 goal second period to ice the game. The Jets made a late charge scoring three third period goals, but Pontus Holmberg would make it 6-4 Lightning with an empty-netter.

So how did the Lightning get the job done?

The Young Guns

It starts with Conor Geekie getting another goal, the second time in his career scoring in back-to-back games, and it's the pressure and speed at which these guys play. Geekie and James have formed quite the duo on their line as showcased by their breakaway sequence. If they can continue to develop into high-quality NHL guys, Tampa may be way better than we anticipate.

The Power Play

1/3 on the power play. I reminded everyone that this unit had too much talent for their slow start to continue. Pontus Holmberg assisted on a nice power play goal to Anthony Cirelli to start Tampa's 3 goal final four minutes of the second period. Entering the night Tampa's unit was still only succeeding at a 15% clip, but the groupings have been more cohesive and active in both their shots and movement. Tampa's offense can still take that next step once they figure this power play all the way out, they draw way too many penalties not to capitalize on the opportunities.

Tampa also killed all the opportunities they provided Winnipeg.

All Gas No Brakes

The Lightning kept constant pressure on the Jets all night, from the offset. Tampa's defensive pressure resulted in easy offense as they created numerous turnovers, including in the Jets own zone. The second period was the clear indicator of that as Tampa put up 4 goals, 3 of them coming in the final four minutes. Tampa plays their best hockey when they are aggressive, and it showed tonight.

Winnipeg's late charge came from when Tampa slowed down their pace and became a little less aggressive.

With the Atlantic division being so crowded it was important for Tampa to get back on track and doing so in dominating fashion is just another reminder to the NHL of what this team is capable of. Tampa now has a record of 8-3-1 and moves to 6-0 at home.

Tampa returns to the ice this Saturday to face Steven Stamkos and the Nashville Predators in Nashville.