The Bolts headed into tonight’s game with a 3-game winning streak on the line. But extending that streak would be no easy task as they faced a formidable foe in the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bolts took to the ice sporting the new reverse retro jerseys for the first time. It was a hard-fought game and reverse retro night would end in a shootout.
Getting off to a Slow Start
The Bolts would once again be without top defenseman Victor Hedman, as he missed his second game in a row. They got off to a slow start in this one, as the Hurricanes came out firing in the first. Carolina got an early power play as the Bolts took a bench minor for too many men on the ice. Corey Perry served the the two minutes and the Lightning killed off the penalty. But the Hurricanes continued to press and scored within just 5 seconds of Perry retaking the ice. It was Seth Jarvis with his third goal of the season.
Carolina was buzzing for the rest of the period but could not beat Andrei Vasilevskiy again. The Bolts gave up as many shots in that first period (15) as they gave up the entire game against the Senators two nights ago but they were far from out of it, as they went to the dressing room down just 1-0.
A Period of Power Plays
Power play goals seemed to be the theme of the second period. Less than 3 minutes in, Jalen Chatfield was whistled for a double minor for high sticking on Hayden Fleury. The Lightning appeared to tie the game early on in the 4-minute power play on a nice tip-in by Vlad Namestnikov as the Carolina net came dislodged. After a lengthy review, the referees announced that the puck was knocked in with a kicking motion and it was ruled no goal. The Bolts stayed patient, continued to apply pressure and were rewarded less than 3 minutes later, as Ross Colton scored his third of the season from Sergachev and Hagel.
First goal in the prettiest jerseys in hockey 😍 pic.twitter.com/eSWOo4DVqU
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) November 4, 2022
Just under 4 minutes after that, Nick Paul chipped in his third of the season on a beautiful pass from Steven Stamkos. The Lightning had their first lead of the night.
Pauly and Stammer just HAD to do it to 'em. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/0inbyIE7WW
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) November 4, 2022
But it would prove to be short-lived as they took their fourth penalty of the night. Ross Colton went to the box for interference on Jordan Martinook and Martin Necas scored just 20 seconds into the power play to tie the game at 2 apiece.
With just under 2 minutes remaining in the period, the Hurricanes went after Ross Colton and were called for two minor penalties. Chatfield was whistled for cross-checking Colton, and Martinook for slashing him. It was the second extended five on three for the Lightning in as many games. Unlike in the previous game, the Lightning took full advantage of tonight’s opportunity as Nikita Kucherov scored at the nineteen-minute mark, extending his goal scoring streak to 5 games. The Bolts would take a 3-2 lead into the dressing room on the strength of a 2-power-play-goal period.
Nikita Kucherov has scored in FIVE straight games! #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/HX54TiBk4a
— Bally Sports Sun: Lightning (@BallyLightning) November 4, 2022
Hoping to Shut it Down in the Final Frame
The Bolts knew the plan going into the final frame. They had to play tight defense and shut things down against the dangerous Hurricanes. It looked good for the first half, as the Lightning clung to their 3-2 lead. Vasilevskiy held his ground in net and the Bolts killed off yet another power play. With just over seven and a half minutes to go in the period, the Bolts got a power-play of their own. They were hoping for an insurance goal to pad their lead but instead, turned the puck over at the blue-line to allow Carolina a short-handed 3 on 2 rush. Brady Skjei put it past Vasilevskiy to tie the game at 3. And that was how regulation time ended. Vasilevskiy made 48 saves, tying the second highest total of his career.
With just over 3 minutes remaining in overtime, Brayden Point took a slashing penalty. The Bolts killed it off and the overtime ended with the score still tied at 3 apiece.
The Lightning would go to a shootout for their first time this season. After 3 scoreless rounds, Ross Colton beat Frederik Andersen with a shot but Carolina answered right back with a goal of their own. Then, in the 6th round, Sebastian Aho beat Vasilevskiy to win the game and secure the second point for the Hurricanes.
It was a hard-fought battle and the Lightning have Andrei Vasilevskiy to thank for their point tonight.
Star of the Game
Andrei Vasilevskiy- 53 saves for a career high
Up Next
The homestand continues as the Buffalo Sabres pay a visit to Amalie Arena Saturday night at 7:00pm.
