Only 2 games, but Bishop strong since return

The thing is, the Tampa Bay Lightning don't have time for Ben Bishop to get back into form.

The Lightning began a very crucial stretch of their schedule Monday, defeating the Kings 2-1 in Los Angeles, the first of six games on the road that will take them through California, Arizona, to Chicago, and back to Florida to face the Panthers. And Bishop was stellar, ensuring the trip began on a high note, even though All-Star Victor Hedman was forced to miss the game with an illness.

Playing in his second game since returning from a lower-body injury, Bishop stopped 31 of 32 shots. He's 2-0 in the new year and has stopped 55 of 58 shots, good for a .948 save percentage. The strong games have Bishop back at .910 on the season.

Tampa Bay went into Monday's game ranked 25th in the league with a .903 team save percentage. The Lightning's goaltending must be better for Tampa Bay to get back into the playoffs.

Last year's Eastern Conference finalists are 21-20-4, and their 46 points trail the Toronto Maple Leafs' 48 for third place in the Atlantic Division. Problem is, Toronto has four games in hand.

With the Metropolitan Division on another level, and both wild-card teams likely to come from the division, Tampa Bay must catch Toronto or the Boston Bruins, who have 51 points but have played a conference-high 47 games.