The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-2 to split a home-and-home series. Much like the game in St. Louis, the game was filled with ebbs and flows. Both teams had stretches of control as well as special teams opportunities. However, the Bolts would pull ahead in third in large part due to Victor Hedman.
First Period Edge.
Unlike Tuesday night in St. Louis, the Lightning did not get out to a quick 3-0 lead. In fact nobody, including Victor Hedman, really got off to a dominating start. For the first five or so minutes most of the game was played on the rush and it was mostly one-and-done’s. However as the period progressed, the Lightning started to gain some traction and spend more time in the Blues’ end. This was due in large part to the Lightning being able to disrupt the St. Louis’ breakouts. Ultimately it would pay off in a 1-0 lead.
Nearly halfway through the first, Ross Colton would come across the blueline and throw a shot towards the net. The puck bounced around in front where it eventually sat for Ondrej Palat who put it into an open net. The Lightning would threaten again and controlled play from there on out and take their lead to the locker room.
Blues Adjust.
It was clear at the start of the period that St. Louis had made adjustments. Their breakouts were much cleaner and they were able to move through the neutral zone with more speed. Therefore, they were able to spend more time in Tampa Bay’s zone. Eventually this would result in Lightning penalties giving the league’s second best power play a chance to operate. Off a faceoff win late in a power play, Robert Thomas sent a shot-pass to the back post. Standing with inside position was Brandon Sadd who tapped it in to tie the game at one. Although the Bolts would not allow another tally, the second period was much more evenly played than the first.
Hedman Takes Charge.
After allowing a power play to goal late in the second, the Lightning’s power pay unit would get a chance to respond early in the third, and it took all of five seconds. Off a faceoff win Hedman would find Alex Killorn at the circle who got it to an open Anthony Cirelli in the slot. Cirelli fired a quick on-timer that beat Ville Husso and gave Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead. Although the Lightning would give up another power play goal, Hedman put the game on his stick and win it for the Lightning. He would score two goals in the third. One on a bomb from the top of the circles and another with a great move all alone in front. The 4-2 score would hold giving Tampa Bay a needed victory before heading out on the road.
Road Ahead.
The Lightning will spend the next eight days in the Northeast starting with a back-to-back. Saturday Tampa Bay will take on the Boston Bruins before heading to Philadelphia to close out the season series with the Flyers. After that the Bolts will head north of the boarder to battle with the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, and Senators before returning home.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
