Pressure was constantly applied, and the Tampa Bay Lightning edge the Dallas Stars in the shootout to secure another victory. For the entire game, Lightning put pressure on the Stars defense and that would give them control for most of the game. Emil Lilleberg played in his 100th career game and Brandon Hagel continued to add to his goal total. With first place still anyone’s game every win becomes more important especially when it’s against a formidable team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Hagel adds to his points total
To begin, it was a sloppy start for the Lightning, but Dallas caused no damaged as a result. Then, Stars continued to apply pressure in the early stages of the period Soon after, Bolts returned the pressure and nearly opened up the scoring. On both ends of the ice blocked shots negated quality chances resulting in the game still being scoreless. Afterwards, Lightning strike first after a perfect sequence was executed by the offense. Theis set up Brandon Hagel who added to his career high in goals with his 32nd of the season to give Tampa a 1-0 lead. With how strong the Lightning played after the sloppy first minute it was no surprised, they scored the first goal of the game.
Just what we ordered! pic.twitter.com/wMoTgKhdhT
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 21, 2025
Controlling the pace
Second half of the period saw the rushes from Dallas continue and that would not stop any time soon. Lightning continued to move the puck well with few mistakes being made. To add, no penalties have been called to this point although there were missed calls on both sides. Regardless, there was no shortage of action as the period was flying by. Tampa continued to control their pace and keep majority of the possession in the period. First penalties of the game were called late in the period. Lian Bichsel is called for cross-checking and Zemgus Girgensons is sent off for rouging. 4-on-4 would be played for almost the remainder of the period. Period ended with the score remaining 1-0.
Pressure continues
Second period began and Lightning continued to attack the net. Next, Lightning went on the power play for the first time after Cody Ceci was called for holding. Pressure by the Bolts offense was constant and now being on the power play that only strengthened that pressure. Stars killed off the penalty and the score remained 1-0. Only real chances Tampa had on the man advantages were in the opening moments, but Dallas is known for having a very good penalty kill. Later on, Lightning extended their lead and continued to dominate the game.
Cirelli keeps the engines pumping
Anthony Cirelli scored his 23rd of the season to extend the lead 2-0. However, Stars would score on the shift after the Cirelli goal. Oskar Bäck would make it a 2-1 game and gave Dallas a spark they desperately needed. Tempers flared which was not a surprise considering how the first period ended, and multiple players would be heading to the penalty box. Both Oliver Bjorkstrand and Colin Blackwell are sent off for roughing and Victor Hedman is sent off for interference.
Tony's finisher 💪 pic.twitter.com/udV0yi2VMq
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 21, 2025
Shooting stars
Stars went on their first power play and looked to tie the game and take over possession from the Bolts. With one second left on the power play Mason Marchment scored to tie the game 2-2. It was an unfortunate turn of events that led to the goal and Stars would get another chance on the power play. All the momentum Tampa had built up was now gone and it was a whole different game now. This time, Lightning kill the penalty and nearly netted a short-handed goal. Period ended with score remaining 2-2 with not much to speak of after the penalty kill.
Out of this world saves
Starting off, Lightning again kept thew pressure going and Cirelli nearly scored his second of the game. Casey DeSmith made his best save of the night to prevent Tampa from taking the lead. Dallas continued to be dangerous in front of the net which is how they have been able to score both goals. DeSmith remained stellar in net denying any quality chance made by the Lightning. The intensity picked up and the question is who would be the one to break the tie and give their team the lead.
Off to extra time
Furthermore, like DeSmith, Andrei Vasilevskiy has made great saves in the period and is also why the game remains 2-2. Possession was not dominate for the Ligbhtning as it was for most of the game. They began to make mistakes with the puck but nothing that Dallas could captivate off of. Lightning nearly took the lead with under 7 minutes to go but the puck went off the post instead. Shockingly, regulation was not enough, and overtime was needed to declare a victor.
Shootout decides the victor
The start of overtime saw the Lightning start with the puck, and it would stay that way for the first minute. Additionally, Stars would then get possession of the puck and keep it for well over a minute. Teams were doing a good job eating time off the clock and doing a good job of not giving up an odd man rush. Overtime came and went, and a shootout decided the victor. Ultimately, it would take four rounds, but Gage Goncalves came in clutch and scored the game-winner to give the Lightning a well-deserved 3-2 victory. Next up on the road is match up with Utah on Saturday.
GONZOOOOOOOOOO ‼️ pic.twitter.com/kPyiTjaVbT
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 21, 2025
Three stars of the game
1st star: Brandon Hagel – 1 goal and 1 assist
2nd star: Anthony Cirelli – 1 goal and 1 assist
3rd star – Casey DeSmith – Saved 36 of 38 shots faced
