Vapid playing by Lightning’s offense leads to losing the final game of the road trip at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings. Erik Cernak would return to the lineup and Cam Atkinson would be a late scratch. Tampa Bay decided to roll with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in what was the final game of the four-game road trip. It was another game where both goalies were sharp, but Andrei Vasilevskiy would get no help from his offense. Playing back-to-back games did affect the team but that would only be for the opening period. There were chances to be had but noting would go Tampa’s way. Nikita Kucherov would see the end of his scoring streak end along with the end of a rough road trip that only saw one victory.
Still recovering from the night before
Last game of the road trip began with neither team really getting a good look on net. Red Wings started with the possession but did not do much with the puck. For Tampa, they did not get the puck much in the opening minutes but were not playing terrible defensively. Then, the slow start for Tampa continued giving Detroit great chances to score. Execution was not there for the Lightning which is in large part to playing back-to-back games. Thankfully, Vasilevskiy has been able to make the saves, but the team has to wake up quick. Afterwards, Lightning began to finally get pucks on net and nearly scored on an open net that Anthony Cirelli whiffed on.
Goalies provide the entertainment
Lightning continued to not get the puck as much as they would like but have been making the most out of their opportunities. Later on, Kucherov came close to keeping his streak going but the puck rang off the post instead. Eventually, Tampa Bay began to wake up and start applying pressure on Detroit’s defense. Lucas Raymond nearly scored but Vasy continued to be perfect in net and the game remained scoreless late in the period. Overall, it was an uneventful first period with the goalies stealing the show. If Tampa’s offense continued to be be vapid then it is going to be a long light for team.
Odd penalty call
Second period much faster than the opening period with better puck movement occurring. Again, Detroit almost scored on a 2-on-1 but instead lost the puck just as they were moving towards Vasilevskiy. Afterwards, Lightning generated a dangerous chance that Cam Talbot was able to save. Clearly, both teams were more engaged than the opening frames, yet the goalies continue to remain solid in net. Finally, a penalty is called, and Tampa Bay gets the first power play of the night hoping to find an answer to Talbot. On the power play Dylan Larkin was given a penalty for high-sticking but Jake Guentzel was also sent off for embellishment. The embellishment call caught everyone off guard and nullified a 5-on-3 opportunity. Lightning would remain on the power play but did not score on the man-advantage.
Detroit gets on the board
Immediately, Red Wings opened up the scoring after the penalty had expired. Marco Kasper was left all alone after Nick Paul tried to clear the puck, and he scored to give Detroit the 1-0 lead. Red Wings then went on the power play for the first time with 8 minutes to go in the period. Despite keeping the puck in their zone for nearly the entire power play, Detroit could not add to their lead. Ever since giving up the goal Lightning felt vapid on offense similar to how the game began. Game became tighter and more physical as the period was winding down. Second period ended with the score remaining, but penalties would be called after the whistle. Players on both teams were given roughing calls, and the Red Wings came out of it with a power play.
More missed shots on open nets
To start, Red Wings began the period on the power play after penalties were called when the second period ended. Lightning killed off the penalty and also nearly tied the game short-handed. Aggressive play continued and another rough penalty is called on Tampa Bay. Bolts are booked for too many men, and the Red Wings went back on the power play. Once again, Lightning kill off the penalty and the score remains 1-0. Game was nearly tied but Victor Hedman missed the open net, and this would be the second time Tampa misses an open net. This time it would be the Lightning going on the power play with 10:50 to go in regulation. Other than the missed chances on the open net the Lightning offense remained vapid and are the main reason why a loss is more than likely.
The end of a miserable road trip
Simon Edvinsson is sent off for interference giving the Bolts only their second power play of the night. Unfortunately, Lightning did not generate anything on the man-advantage and the score remained 1-0 Red Wings. Tampa’s offense continued to be vapid, and time was slowly running out to try and tie the game. The final minutes arrived and nothing much changed on the ice. Detroit’s defense did not have to work much and Tampa Bay could not get the offense going. They would pull Vasilevskiy with 2 and change left. In the end, Michael Rasmussen scored an empty net goal, and the Red Wings win 2-0. Lightning will return home Tuesday to begin a 5-game homestead.
Three stars of the game
1st Star: Cam Talbot – Saved all 28 shots faced
2nd Star: Marco Kasper – 1 goal
3rd Star: Andrei Vasilevskiy – Saved 29 of 30 shots faced.
