Sports Frog

Overshadowed a bit by the Pittsburgh Penguins recent 11-0-2 run, the second hottest team in the NHL right now has to be the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After dusting off the Coyotes 5-3 last night, the Lightning have won 13 of their last 16 games and have moved just 3 points out of the Southeast Division leading - and currently slumping - Atlanta Thrashers. Tampa Bay also has played two less games than Atlanta has, entering Wednesday's action.

The Bolts have been led all season by center Vincent Lecavalier, a former first overall pick who is currently leading the league in goals (37) and is on pace to score a career high 52 for the season.

Lightning head coach John Tortorella summed up after the win the key improvement Vinny has made to his game this season:

"He can be good a lot through a year, but he's being great consistently. He has the ability and he's beginning to do that, and that's the key for our hockey club."

And while Lecavalier's play has been there all season, the team's recent surge is due in no small part to the improved production of forward Brad Richards. Having lost winger Freddy Modin to Columbus in an offseason trade that provided the Lightning with a well paid backup goaltender, Richards started the 06-07 campaign trying to rediscover his game with new linemates.

The 2004 Conn Smyth winner picked up the game winner last night and has points in 9 of his last 13 games.

The Lightning have a chance to make a big move in the coming week, with four straight division games on their schedule next, starting with the Capitals on Thursday night.