By Jake Ricker
The Tampa Bay Lightning looked to continue to their three-game winning streak after the Christmas break. Here is how they stacked up against the Panthers.
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Hagel-Cirelli-Stamkos
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Vasilevskiy
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Lightning's 3-2 loss to the Panthers.
Penalty Killing
The Lightning have had a strong penalty kill all year, sitting at 80.2% but struggled tonight. The Bolts had scored a goal in the third period to bring themselves within one. But on an ensuing penalty kill, the Lightning played too casual, and the Panthers converted shorthanded.
This goal was the game-winner for the Panthers and one the Lightning would certainly like back. These things will happen over the course of a season, but they can't happen in critical moments like this one did, which sucked a lot of momentum away from the Bolts.
Nikita Kucherov hits 300
Kucherov has been having a magical season, leading the league in points and in the top 3 in both goals and assists. His goal tonight marked the 300th of his career. Kucherov continues to make everything he does so effortless and is a vital part of this team. When Kucherov had to leave the game to get repairs, it was readily noticeable. The Lightning power play looked completely different, as the Panthers could cheat to Stammer's side and not have to worry about Kucherov making a great pass or rifling a shot from the circle. Kucherov's next milestone will either be 500 assists or 800 points.
Goaltending
Both goaltenders were impressive tonight. Vasilevskiy made some big saves in this game to keep the Lightning in the game. Bobrovsky also made some big saves keeping the Lightning off the board. The Lightning, unfortunately, just did not get the puck to bounce their way. Bobrovsky got probably the biggest save of the night on Brayden Point, who had a breakaway opportunity to tie the game but was stopped by Bobrovsky's glove. Credit, where credit is both goaltenders, played well tonight.
Final thoughts
The Lightning came out slow, and it wasn't until the third period they got some momentum going. Vasy was great, and Bobrovsky made some big saves as well. The biggest difference in this game, though, was the shorthanded goal. Bounce back against the Rangers
Three Stars
Media's three-stars
1. Bobrovsky (27 SV)
2. Reinhart (2G)
3. Kucherov (1G)
Our three-stars
1.Bobrovsky (27 SV)
2. Reinhart (2G)
3. Vasilevskiy (27 SV)
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