Bolts at the break: A midseason update

The Tampa Bay Lightning are nine points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 34 games left. When the team returns next week after the All-Star break, it faces a daunting task. It has plenty of ground to make up and a lot of teams to pass to reach the postseason for consecutive seasons.

Here is a look at what has transpired so far this season:

What’s gone wrong?

Goaltending: Dwayne Roloson, a key mid-season pickup last season who stabilized the team’s presence in net, was signed for another season. But this year has been a disaster for the 42-year-old veteran as his goals-against average of 3.65 ranks last among goaltenders with at least 10 starts. Mathieu Garon, meanwhile, was signed to be the backup, but has received a bulk of the starts. While inconsistent at times, he has provided more than was expected with a 14-13-2 record and 2.92 goals-against average.

Special teams: The power play has been a mystery this season and has cost Tampa Bay a few victories along the way. While at home, the Lightning are successful 20.3 percent of the time, which ranks eighth in the league. On the road, they are dead last at 8.6 percent with just eight goals in 93 power play opportunities. Last season, Tampa Bay finished in the top 10 in power play, which helped mask some of the team’s defensive deficiencies. This year, it’s exposed some of the team’s weaknesses.

Injuries: Yes, every team goes through injuries at one point or another and it’s up to the rest of the team – including the coaching staff – not to use them as an excuse. But Tampa Bay played Tuesday’s game against Columbus with nine players sidelined because of injuries, including top defensemen Mattias Ohlund and Victor Hedman. At various times this season, the list also has included key players Pavel Kubina, Steve Downie and Marty St. Louis.

What’s gone right?

Steven Stamkos: The team’s lone All-Star representative enters the break leading the league with 32 goals, five more than any other player. He’s done most of that damage at even strength as he continues to evolve as a goal scorer. He also has grown in other areas of his game, especially leadership and defensive play, as he continues to become a more complete player.

Vinny Lecavalier: Often criticized for his lack of production in comparison to his hefty $10 million salary, the captain is enjoying a solid season with 19 goals and on pace for a 70-point season. It’s a far drop from his 100-point days, but his improved two-way play provides a solid season.

Depth: With all the injuries, the Lightning have dipped into the minor-league system and found some pleasant surprises to come in and contribute, such as JT Wyman, Trevor Smith, Pierre-Cedric Labrie and Mike Angelidis. That allowed the team to trade Blair Jones to Calgary for defenseman Brendan Mikkelson, who has been solid since arriving on Jan. 6.

What happens next?

There is a favorable schedule for the remainder of the season with only 14 out of 34 games on the road. That stretch includes four straight at home coming out of the break and 12 of 14 at home starting at the end of February. So, if the Lightning have a run in them, they have the home games to help make it happen. This team has shown under head coach Guy Boucher they will fight to the end. But one has to wonder if there are enough punches to pull them out of the hole.