Lightning primed for Game 2

TAMPA (FOX 13) - After a productive Saturday practice, all quiet on the ice this morning during the time the Lightning would normally have their optional skate. It's a schedule the Lightning have found to be successful in the past.

"I think Coach wants us to be ready to play tonight," said Lightning center Yanni Gourde. "I think we are going to be ready."

The Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin lead his team out on to the ice at Amalie Arena with a spirited start. A new playoff tradition for Washington.  A one lap sprint to get his team going. The Capitals are feeling good about their position after taking away home ice advantage with their Game 1 win. The Bolts are feeling some pressure.

"They're looking at it right now that they can go up 2-0," said Lightning head coach Jon Cooper. "What an advantage it would be for them, so definitely pressure is on us tonight." 

When the Lightning  coach goes behind the bench tonight, he'll do it with confidence. He has seen his team rally in this position before. In fact Cooper is 8-1 in the last 9 games in Game 2's. 

"It's kind of been a little bit of a habit for them," said Cooper of his team’s 0-1 starts. "When they've been pushed against the wall they've usually responded."

Is this game a must win situation for the Lightning?
    
"No, there's no must," said Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman. "Unless we're facing an elimination, but it's an opportunity to get back tight in the series. That's the way we look at it."

There's only one change the Lightning need to make.

"The only change needed is everybody has to play way better," said Cooper.