The Tampa Bay Lightning headed into the Prudential Center tonight looking to exact some revenge on the New Jersey Devils. In the teams previous two meetings, New Jersey has wins in both games (One in New Jersey one in Tampa).
While the Tampa Bay Lightning have been either the best, or one of the best teams in the NHL this season they have not had much luck against the New Jersey Devils. In two previous meetings against New Jersey, Tampa has lost both games by at least one goal. The first game was played in New Jersey and ended 5-4 with the Devils taking the win in a shoot-out. When they played in Tampa four months later, the result was very similar. New Jersey was able to outlast the Lightning and win 4-3 in regulation.
Taylor Hall leading the pack
New Jersey Devils forward Taylor Hall is a bit a head of his New Jersey teammates in points. Heading into tonight’s game, Hall was 33 points ahead of the next Devils player on the stats sheets. That player, Nico Hischier inched closer late in the first period as he gave New Jersey a 1-0 lead in the game. Hall is the first New Jersey player since Ilya Kovelchuk to net 80 points in a season. Hall is garnering Hart Trophy consideration as the league MVP for his play this season.
Chasing History
Entering tonight’s game, the Lightning had two records in their sights. One of the records was for most points in a season by a Lightning team. The record is 108 held by the 2014-2015 team, the second record was for most wins by a head coach. Lightning fans will have t wait another game for either record to be broken or tied as Tampa Bay will carry their 106 points into their game on Monday against the Coyotes.
Palmieri puts the Devils ahead
Near the midway point of the second period, Kyle Palmieri would wrist a shot from the high slot to give New Jersey a 2-0 lead. Both of New Jersey’s goals would come at even strength. Early in the third though Tampa would finally slip one past Keith Kinkaid. Mikhail Sergachev would rifle a shot towards Kinkaid and Ondrej Palat would push it past the Devils netminder. It was Palat’s 9th goal of the season and first since returning from an injury that cost him 26 games.
Kinkaid stops the Lightning
The New Jersey goalie has faced the Lightning before, he first faced them in the 2012-13 season. In that game he faced 13 shots and allowed one goal. He faced the Bolts twice in the following season getting one win, while facing 59 shots in the two games saving 53 of those shots. In 2015-16 he lost his only game against the Lightning, allowing three goals on 21 shots. He did not face Tampa in 2016-17. Tonight
Season Sweeps
Only three teams have been perfect so far this season against the Lightning. The Vegas Golden Knights beat the Bolts in both games they played, and the Boston Bruins have two wins. Neither team has lost to the Lightning, but Tampa does have two more games against Boston. In three games this season (Two in New Jersey) the Bolts are winless against the Devils.
Next Up
The Arizona Coyotes come in to Amalie Arena Monday as the Lightning have one home game in-between four away games.
Three Stars of the Game
3rd Star – Kyle Palmieri: Got the game winning goal for the Devils.
2nd Star – Nico Hischier: Got the first goal of the game, setting the pace for the Devils.
1st Star – Keith Kinkaid
