It was just over a minute later that rookie forward Gage Goncalves’ second NHL goal extended the Tampa Bay Lightning lead to 2-0, a score that held as the game-winner in a 3-1 triumph and extended Tampa Bay’s winning streak to eight games.

Ground is tough to make up in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division these days, but the Tampa Bay Lightning certainly are doing their part.

Though the Lightning were the best team in the Eastern Conference during the month of February, their game against the Capitals Saturday afternoon at Capital One Arena still served as a measuring stick.

Brad Treliving was asked if he feels compelled to make a bigger splash ahead of the NHL trade deadline because of how wide open the Eastern Conference playoff field appears to be this year.