"This team has hit a mental, emotional and physical wall" - NHL Insider on Tampa Bay Lightning's recent struggles (Exclusive)

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 on Tuesday, drawing an end to a five-game losing streak.

Though the win came against one of the worst teams in the NHL, the team is hopeful that the victory will spark something moving forward.

Prior to the victory, it was a rough weekend for the Tampa Bay Lightning, as the former back-to-back Stanley Cup champions looked lifeless in two defeats. The Bolts were defeated 5-3 by the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, only to follow that up with a humiliating 6-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Lightning are clearly in a funk and for such a successful organization, it's an uncomfortable position. Tampa Bay have lost five of their last six games, and head coach John Cooper has tried several things to attempt to turn the tide.

NHL Insider JP Peterson believes that the losing streak is an indication of something deeper than merely poor play.

"These are Stanley Cup champions through and through," Peterson said. But this five-game losing streak. Oh, they haven't been that ugly since 2014. And that was a long time ago. And I just think this team has just hit a mental, emotional, and physical wall.

"They have gone deep into the summer, extended seasons because of COVID, right, and played so much freakin hockey in the last three years. Because that's the Tampa Bay Lightning and we owe them. They've been kicking our a**oforever and they're a little bit vulnerable."

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A look at the Tampa Bay Lightning's season

Tampa Bay Lightning v Carolina Hurricanes

While the Lightning have struggled recently. They remain in third place in the Atlantic Division, five points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for second place.

Coming off their third Stanley Cup appearance in a row, the Lightning are primed to make another playoff run. Given their track record, it's impossible to rule them out as a true contender.

Nikita Kucherov is one player that has seemingly avoided being affected by the cold streak, as the veteran superstar sits third in the NHL with 91 total points. He currently sits behind only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl among the league's top point producers.

They may have been poor of late, but after breaking that losing streak, things could change in Tampa Bay. They have the talent to make a run of it, so don't be surprised if they put together a strong run of form.