Hungry for a win, the Tampa Bay Lightning looked to sweep the season series against the New Jersey Devils but instead pick up only a point. Prior to the loss Lightning picked up both wins in the two games at home before beginning the road trip with back-to-back games. Andrei Vasilevskiy continued to play well but the same could not be said for his defenders. For the offense, they went up against Jacob Markstrom who also has been lights out for the Devils as of late. Indubitably, constant mishandling of the puck allowed New Jersey to take momentum throughout the game and squeak by with the win. Gaining a point of this was still crucial since the team travels to Pittsburgh tomorrow to face the Penguins.
Captain ties the game
At the start, Devils did a great job in the face-off circle winning the first few draws. Because of those wins Vasilevsiy had to make key saves to avoid giving up the early goal. Would not take long for the Lightning to get their turn to score but Markstrom also did a great job to prevent a goal. However, Devils were heavily outshooting the Lightning and would score the first goal. Dougie Hamilton fired a shot that Odrej Palat tipped in to give New Jersey a 1-0 lead. Then, Lightning would even the score after Nick Paul won a draw. He passed the puck to Victor Hedman who’s shot passed Markstrom for the equalizer. With the way the game started this was a welcoming goal for Tampa to score and hopefully more to come.
The Captain ties it up 👏 pic.twitter.com/fPmEqP3zFa
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 12, 2025
Too many face-offs
As the period went on, Devils continued to be aggressive with the puck while Tampa did not have the greatest of puck luck. Next, multiple icings occurred slowing down the flow of the game causing more face-offs than normal. Shockingly, there were no penalties called and with a few minutes left in the period it would seem it will stay that way. Jack Hughes nearly gave the Devils a 2-1 lead on a 3-on-1 rush but he fanned on the shot. Immediately after, Brandon Hagel almost gave Tampa the lead, but Markstrom again saved the shot. Once again, Lightning struggled to clear the puck, yet Devils could not captivate on the errors. Jesper Bratt nearly scored but the puck rung off the post and the period ended with the game tied.
Turnovers continued but no damage done…yet
Devils came out swinging and hungry for a goal to begin the second period. Clearly, Lightning could not be caught sleeping or else they would pay the price. After that quick start play began to slow for a bit but Tampa continued to be sloppy with execution. Devils continued to guard their net well but that would be tested with the Lightning getting the first look on the power play, The first penalty of the night was called with 11:46 left in the period. Sadly, Lightning come up empty handed on the power play and switched to the penalty kill.
Jersey takes over
Emil Lilleberg was called for hooking shortly after the penalty on Nathan Bastian expired. That penalty was also killed off, but New Jersey had a couple of good chances on that power play. Devils were hungry for not just a goal but a win after the slump they have been in. Once again, New Jersey took advantage of the poor play of the Lightning defense and took the lead. Jack Hughes scored off a turnover to give the home team the 2-1 lead. Tampa could not get anything going which allowed New Jersey to have full momentum. Vasilevskiy is the only reason why this is still a one goal game. Before the period ended, Lightning went on their second power play after a high-sticking call that will carry into the third.
Hopeful to force overtime
Third period began with the Bolts on the power play and hungry for a goal to get back in the game. That penalty was killed off with ease however Tampa Bay would go right back on the power play after another high-sticking call. New Jersey continued to be aggressive on the penalty kill and that was disrupting the offense. Again, penalty was killed off and neither team could not captivate on the man advantage. Momentum continued to be on the Devils side and that did not look like it would change anytime soon.
Securing at least a point
Finally, the Devils momentum would be eradicated thanks to a breakaway goal by Nikita Kucherov. Brandon Hagel gave Kucherov a perfect pass and from there there was no stopping him. Score was now 2-2 with just over 9 minutes left in the period. Devils were held without a shot on goal until there was about 5:30 left in the period. Lightning were doing a good containing a hungry Jersey offense that had been buzzing all night. Somehow, the game would head to overtime and gives Tampa Bay a crucial point. With a trip to Pittsburgh on tap for tomorrow getting any points from tonight’s game was beneficial.
Hagel ➡️ Kucherov 🚨 pic.twitter.com/iOFwKDAELQ
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 12, 2025
Costly penalty ends the game
Devils would start with possession in overtime, but their shot was blocked by Brandon Hagel. On the other side Lightning did not get a good look on net but did not turnover the puck which was an issue earlier in the game. Devils would get a power play with 3:40 to go with Paul sent off for tripping. Late in the power play Stefan Noesen scores the game winner off a bouncing puck as the Devils take the 3-2 victory.
Three stars of the game
1st Star: Jacob Markstrom – Saved 23 of 25 shots faced
2nd Star: Jack Hughes – 1 goal and 1 assist
3rd Star: Andrei Vasilevskiy – Saved 23 of 26 shots faced.
