By Jake Ricker
The Lightning looked to bounce back after a tough game one against the New York Rangers. The Lightning made a few line changes and were set to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here were the lines for the game:
Hagel-Point-Kucherov
Paul-Stamkos-Killorn
Colton-Namestnikov-Perry
Koepke-Bellemare-Maroon
Hedman-Foote
Sergachev-Cernak
Fleury-Myers
Vasilevskiy
1st Period
The Lightning got off to a quick start, with Namestnikov getting a chance right in the slot. But it was the Blue Jackets who struck first as Jonny Gaudreau put the puck right over the shoulder of Vasilevskiy for a 1-0 lead. The Lightning pushed back but were unable to get anything past Tarason.
The Lightning would then get the first power play of the night after the Blue Jackets were called for an interference penalty. The power play woes continued for the Lightning, though, as they could not get anything going and gave the Blue Jackets some great shorthanded opportunities. The Lightning got to go right back to the power play, though, and this time they converted as Corey Perry put a rebound into the back of the net to tie the game at one.
The Lighting then ran with the momentum and quickly took a 2-1 lead as Stamkos rifled one from the corner. The lead didn't last long, though, as the Blue Jackets almost immediately tied it up at two. Just when you thought you had a chance to breathe, the Lightning fought back as Ross Colton fired one home for a 3-2 lead. The period then came to a close, with the Bolts leading by one.
2nd Period
It was the Lightning again who started the period off with some early pressure. Stamkos then nearly made it 4-2, but Tarason stopped him cold. The Lightning continued to control the pace of the second period as they now outshot the Blue Jackets 19-12. Their pressure would then be rewarded as Cal Foote went right to the net and taped the puck home for a 4-2 lead.
The Blue Jackets would then get a chance on the power play as Sergachev was called for a cross-check. The Lightning shut down the Columbus power play and successfully killed off the penalty. Now back to 5-on-5, the Bolts got right back to work dominating the game and peppering the net with everything they had.
The Blue Jackets would then get another chance on the power play as Hagel was called for interference. Things then got worse for the Lightning as Paul was called for hooking to give the Jackets an extended 5-on-3. The second period would then come to a close with 16 seconds remaining on the 5-on-3.
3rd Period
With 16 seconds still remaining on the 5-on-3, the Lightning could not let their guard down. The penalty killers came through and finished off the rest of both penalties getting the Bolts back to full strength. And like clockwork, after the penalties expired, the Lightning got right back to work controlling the game.
The Captain then continued his fantastic start to this season as he blasted one past Tarason for a 5-2 lead. Sergachev would take his second penalty of the game, and the Lightning would head back to the penalty kill once again. The Penalty kill got to work though, and killed it off with ease. The Lightning then cruised the rest of the way until the clock expired and secured their first win of the season.
Final thoughts
The Lightning got off to a rough start giving up a quick goal and then letting the Blue Jackets get multiple 2-on-1 chances on their penalty kill. However, after a few outstanding saves from Andrei Vasilevskiy, things turned around. From the second period, the Lightning dominated this one, with nine different Lightning players getting on the score sheet.
Really not much to complain about in a 5-2 victory that's the first of the Bolt's season. Biggest two issues remain to be the faceoffs and the power play.
Three Stars Via NHL.com
1. Stamkos (2G)
2. Colton (1G,1A)
3. Perry (1G,1A)
The Lightning's next game will be against the Pittsburgh Penguins, October 15th, at 7 PM ET.
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