The Tampa Bay Lightning started the night with three goals in the first period, however, were plagued by defensive lapses in an overtime loss to Columbus, 7-6. Kent Johnson and Zach Werenski each scored twice for the Blue Jackets. Werenski scored the game-winner and had five points on the night.
The Lightning began the game with a Brayden Point goal only two minutes in. Brandon Hagel would score a few minutes later with a snap shot past Elvis Merzlikin. In addition, Cam Atkinson scored his first goal as a member of the Lightning halfway through the period to push the lead to 3-0.
However, the game started to unravel for the Bolts shortly thereafter. Columbus’ Sean Monahan scored later in the period for what would be the first of three unanswered Blue Jacket goals to tie the game.
Even though the Bolts’ led to start the second period, six goals were scored within the first seven minutes. After all the dust had settled, the score would be tied at six at intermission.
Johnson would score his second goal for Columbus in third period, and Tampa Bay’s Conor Geekie would net the equalizer 43 seconds later. After that, the teams would go on to each earn a point as the game went to overtime.
Werenski capped off his five-point night with his second goal at 1:26 of overtime to win the game.
Johannsen and Lightning Defense Struggles
Lightning backup goalie Jonas Johansson started for the first time since November 3rd and struggled throughout the night. The Bolts’ defense did Johansson no favors as mistakes plagued the team the entire game.
Tampa Bay was outshot, 43-30, and gave up a Columbus power play and shorthanded goal. They also turned the puck over 15 times.
Despite giving up a goal on special teams, the Lightning did capitalize on both power plays they had and scored. Unfortunately, their sloppy defensive play led to their demise.
“What a great start, and then…” Bolts captain Victor Hedman lamented. “I don’t know how to digest this game.”
“That’s not how we want to play hockey. We just have to take tonight and refocus.”
Kucherov Earns 900th Point
Nikita Kucherov continued to work on punching himself a future ticket to the NFL Hall of Fame by earning the 900th point of his career tonight. Kucherov took a rebound sent into the corner and fed Point for the night’s first score.
86 locks in career point 900 with this pass to Pointer ‼️ pic.twitter.com/drM5dhkTuR
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) November 22, 2024
Late in the first period, Jake Christiansen slashed Kucherov on a non-call, and appeared to be in immediate pain. Holding his left arm, he slowly skated back to the bench. However, Kucherov returned to start the second period.
The Lightning forward then added two more points to his resume with assists to Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli.
Three Stars of the Game
Zach Werenski, Columbus. Two goals including the game winner and five points. Solid performance.
Sean Monahan, Columbus. A four-point night with one goal and three assists. He got Columbus on the scoreboard and they started to roll.
Kent Johnson, Columbus. Two goals: one on the power play and one shorthanded.
Up Next
The Lightning return home Saturday night to take on the Dallas Stars at Amalie Arena. Puck drop is at 7pm.
Follow The Scrum Sports for continuous coverage of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
