Steven Stamkos sounded off on the Lightning's slow start to the season

BarDown Staff

Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Last season ended in shock for the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Presidents' Trophy winners were swept in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets. This season, the roster is relatively the same, but the struggles have continued through the first week of the season.

Tampa is 1-1-1 in their first three games, but Sunday they blew a 3-1 lead to Carolina and were outshot 44-13, eventually falling 4-3 in overtime. Following the game, Steven Stamkos didn't hold back when discussing his team's "free-wheeling" start to the season.

Stamkos post loss to Carolina said team got “Outclassed” and “Continue to be the free wheeling team that thinks that we can just come into games and win because we’re skilled.”
— Caley Chelios (@CaleyChelios) October 7, 2019

Stamkos said they talked about changing the way they play after last years playoff results and, “Keep falling back into the same old bad habits.” https://t.co/viIPoSTqvP
— Caley Chelios (@CaleyChelios) October 7, 2019

Captain Steven Stamkos didn't hold back after an OT loss to the #Canes: “Unless we change things, it’s going to be a really, really, really long year.” https://t.co/BiowaL6fiI #TBLightning #Bolts #GoBolts #LetsGoCanes #TBvsCAR @dianacnearhos
— TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) October 7, 2019

Yes, the Lightning have only played three games, but recognizing poor play early for a team as talented as Tampa is crucial, especially considering how last season ended.

There's no reason to doubt Tampa's ability to get things turned around, but they face a tough test Thursday night in Toronto.

(H/T: Caley Chelios)