Panthers coach Paul Maurice and Lightning coach Jon Cooper have much in common besides having their names etched onto the Stanley Cup and residing in Florida. They're both savvy in how they deal with media. They're both masters of dry humor. And they don't mind being on the receiving end of a light-hearted jab.

The Tampa Bay Lightning don’t boast that kind of depth, but one thing they showcase more than anything else — and perhaps more than any NHL team — is pure star power. So far, the stars aren’t shining for the Lightning. If that doesn’t change in a hurry, it will be lights out.

With a raucous crowd and optimism abound, the Tampa Bay Lightning finally opened their Eastern Conference first-round series with the rival Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, only to drop a deflating 6-2 decision to the defending Stanley Cup champions.