Gage Goncalves scored twice, but it was not enough to secure a win for the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight. The Bolts have struggled in overtime lately and tonight was no exception. For the second straight night, the Lightning lost to an Atlantic division opponent in overtime.
The Playoff Battles
As the NHL regular season draws near to a close, there are very few remaining playoff spots. The Tampa Bay Lightning punched their ticket six days ago and are jockeying for position within the division. Wednesday night’s overtime loss to Toronto was likely the final blow in their quest to win the division. Now, they are battling with the Florida Panthers for second place. Florida came within a point of the Bolts with their win against the Detroit Red Wings last night.
The Red Wings, on the other hand, are fighting for their playoff lives. They are not mathematically eliminated yet, but a lot would have to go their way for them to get the final remaining spot in the Eastern Conference. The Wings came in knowing that if they were to lose this game, they would be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Quick Strike to Start
The Lightning got off to a quick start in this one. Brandon Hagel fed a perfect pass to Anthony Cirelli who was streaking in alone a few steps ahead of the Detroit defense. Cirelli buried it a the 1:01 mark to get the boys in blue out to an early 1-0 lead.
“Stick lifted, then HE SCORRREEESSS!!!!!”
Cirelli muscles through the slot to claim the early lead!#DETvsTBL
: https://t.co/S6Y9TymMk9
: @1025TheBone pic.twitter.com/LvqSqlEy5u
— Lightning Audio Network (@BoltsRadio) April 11, 2025
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They hung onto that lead for the rest of the period. Detroit got a few good chances, but Vasilevskiy stood tall in net stopping everything that came his way. There was just one penalty in the opening period and it went against the Lightning. The Bolts’ penalty killers did a masterful job of killing it off to preserve their slim lead.
Red Wings Take a Lead
Detroit came out in the second and showed they still had some fight. Patrick Kane scored at 4:07 to tie the game at 1-1. The game stayed tied for most of the period. At 16:37, the Wings got a lucky bounce. Tyler Motte threw the puck off his stick from behind the net. It hit off Vasilevskiy’s skate and hopped past the goal line. The Red Wings enjoyed their first lead of the game. But they were not able to enjoy it for long.
Gage Gets a Bounce
Before the goal was even announced, the Bolts got a lucky bounce of their own. Gage Goncalves took the puck in on goal and didn’t give up until it trickled past Alex Lyon. Tied at two and the end of two.
“GONCALVES!!!!!”
Gonzo with the extra effort and some luck to tie the game!#DETvsTBL
— Lightning Audio Network (@BoltsRadio) April 12, 2025
A Two-Goal Night for Gage Goncalves
The Lightning opened the third period just the way they’d hoped– with another quick strike. This time, it was Gage Goncalves again. He notched his eighth goal of the season and second of the game at 1:38 to restore the Bolts’ lead.
“GONCALVES AGAIN!!!”
Gage snipes it for his second of the game!#DETvsTBL
— Lightning Audio Network (@BoltsRadio) April 12, 2025
Unfortunately, the Lightning could not hold the lead. Marco Kasper tied the game at 3-3 with 7:01 remaining in regulation. For the second consecutive game, the Bolts would go to overtime in a 3-3 tie.
Another Overtime, Another Overtime Loss
The Lightning have not enjoyed a lot of success in overtime as of late. Tonight was no exception. The Bolts had their chances but failed to capitalize. Eventually, the Red Wings took advantage of an opportunity. Marco Kasper scored his second of the game to win it 4-3.
Three Stars
1- Marco Kasper– 2 goals including game winner
2- Gage Goncalves– 2 goals
3- Anthony Cirelli- 1 goal, 1 assist
Up Next
The Lightning have just three games remaining this season. Sunday night, the Buffalo Sabres visit Amalie Arena. Scheduled start time is 6pm.
