Every summer in this space, I attempt to break down the Lightning’s upcoming schedule. How tough is the first month, a time when teams can establish a good position in the standings? How many back-to-backs for the Bolts? And how many times do they play a team on the second half of a back-to-back? How long are the road trips, both in terms of games and duration? Here are some answers to those questions.
A Tough Start: Last season, the Lightning played eight of their first 13 games at home. They cashed in, going 9-3-1, and earning a spot in the top half of the Atlantic Division standings.