By Jake Ricker
The Tampa Bay Lightning looked to start a new win streak and spoil Marchand's 1,00th NHL game. Here is how they stacked up in last night's matchup against the Bruins.
Stamkos-Point-Kucherov
Hagel-Cirelli-Paul
Eyssimont-Motte-Sheary
Jeannot-Glendening-Chaffee
Hedman-Raddysh
Fleury-Cernak
Lilleberg-Perbix
Vasilevskiy
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Lightning's 3-2 shootout win over the Boston Bruins.
Vasilevskiy
What more can be said? Vasilevskiy was amazing tonight. 36 saves on 38 shots and stopped all three shootout attempts. The Bruins made a few strong pushes in the game where they had sustained zone time and plenty of shot attempts, but Vasilvskiy held them off almost every single time. In fact, the Bruins had 6 power plays in this game, and Vasilevskiy made huge stops in all of them, helping the Lightning go 6/6 on kills.
It took a little while for Vasilevsky to get going after returning from injury, but it really looks like he is back to his old self. Vasilevskiy, in his last 3 games played, has a .938 SV% and a 1.96 GAA, which is the 4th best in the NHL over the past week for goalies with at least 3 GP.
Second Period
The second period continues to be an issue for the Lightning, and it was again tonight. While the Bruins's two unanswered goals stand out, there was a noticeable difference in the Lightning's play. They often found themselves unable to get out of their own zone or just missing passes. It felt and looked like the Lightning were just a step behind in that period.
That's not to say the Lightning had their good moments. In fact, they started the period with a power play goal to give them a 2-0 lead. Bad Periods are going to happen. However, it seems like it's happening a little too often in the second for the Lightning, almost like they get too comfortable. Resealiancey/The Ice
The Beanpot, which is a college hockey tournament played at TD Garden, finished up last night, and it was clear it took an effect on the ice. Multiple players were falling, pucks were bouncing, and everything just felt a little off. This certainly did not help the Lightning or the Bruins, for that matter.
Despite some of the issues with the Ice and the Lightning's game, the team still fought through the challenges and showed a lot of resiliency thought this game. The Bruins gave them everything they had, and sometimes, these are the kinds of wins it takes to get yourself into the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
This was a huge win for the Lightning, and it goes right along with their recent formula. Perfect game? No, but fight hard, find a way, and keep pushing. The Lightning played a great first period and a decent third but struggled in the Second. They have got to find a way to play more conistent. They had some issues with penalties and zone exits, but the penalty kill went perfect, and Vasilevskiy was there to bail them out when needed.
You absolutely want to see the Lightning play more consistent games. But a few weeks before the All-Star break, they just couldn't find a way to win. Now, they are finding ways to win, which is so important in such a tight wild-card race. Their next game is agaisnt a stugiling Colorado team but they are not to be underestimated, hopefully they can feed off this win.
Three Stars
Media's three-stars
1. Marchand (2A)
2. Point (1G Shootout)
3. McAvoy (1G)
Our three-stars
1. Vasilevskiy (36 SV)
2. Point (1G Shootout)
3. Pastrnak (2A)
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