Third straight road game against a California team yielded the same result for Tampa Bay, another disappointing defeat. Erik Cernak skated in his 400th regular season game with the Lightning, but it would not be all smiles when the night ended. John Gibson was a win away from his 200th win and faced a Bolts squad that was hungry and desperate for a win. No matter how hard the Lightning offense tried, they could not crack the defensive schemes Anaheim had prepared. The team as a whole did not play horribly and for most of the night were the better team. Sometimes a goalie brings their A-game and make it difficult to get goals through.
Recovering from the night before
To begin, Lightning had a sluggish start to the game. Whether it was being drained from the rough loss or not this was not the start Tampa Bay wanted to have. All the chances came from Anaheim who had the only three shots on goal in the first few minutes of the game. Then, on a 1-on-2 the Ducks nearly opened up the scoring, but Jonas Johansson was able to make the save. Soon after, Troy Terry’s shot wrings off the post and in to give Anaheim the 1-0 lead. They were bound to score with all the room they had to freely move the puck around. Next, Ducks would go on the power play after Nikita Kucherov is sent off for slashing. Thankfully, Bolts were able to kill off the penalty it what was the only bright spot of the game for them so far.
Quack attack
For the Lightning this period has been abysmal, and they had to wake up quickly before the game gets out of hand. Afterwards, Tampa’s offense continued to get pucks through and finally show signs of life. Ever since the penalty kill the Lightning gained momentum despite giving up the first goal. Lightning would then go on the power play with 5:41 left in the period after Frank Vatrano is called for holding the stick. Just like the Bolts, Ducks killed off the penalty with ease keeping the score 1-0. Vatrano tipped in a shot from Jacob Trouba to extend the Ducks lead with 2:57 left. Anaheim torched the Bolts defense which allowed them to easily add to their lead and kill any momentum Tampa had. Period ended with the Ducks maintaining a 2-0 lead.
Power play ignites the team
Second period started much better for the Lightning as they were able to move the puck better offensively. The pressure continued and Tampa looked and played like a completely different team. Whatever was said in the locker room during intermission worked as the team was energized and ready to claw back. Next, Lightning went on the power play for a second time with 11:06 left in the period. Finally, on the power play Tampa Bay scored a much-needed goal to make it a 2-1 lead for the Ducks. Jake Guentzel fired a slap shot that beat Gibson to get the Bolts on the board and keep the momentum in their favor.
A power play goal to get things goin' ‼️ pic.twitter.com/4ipa4iqjl9
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 6, 2025
Hopeful to score the equalizer
With how much pressure the Lightning were putting on Gibson it was only a matter of time before a goal would finally go through. Once again, Lightning kept the foot on the gas pedal, and it seemed the game would be tied sooner rather than later. However, Anaheim regrouped and tilted the ice with quality chances of their own. Johansson was able to make the necessary saves, and the Ducks made sure to keep the game as tight as possible. Terry nearly scored again after a Lightning giveaway but again Johansson made the save. Clearly, momentum seemed shifted back to Anaheim, but it would not stay that way. Heading into the third period Lightning would lead shots on net 23 to 20 and hoped to equalize rapidly.
Ducks beginning to lockdown the Bolts offense
Third period began with both teams handling the puck well looking to score another goal but nothing would come from the early chances. Game remained tight as expected with both goalies looking sharp in net. It became a game of back and forth as the period went on with not many dull moments to be had. As the period reached the halfway point Anaheim continued to do a good job of sustaining the one goal lead. On the other hand, Tampa Bay needed to find a way to answer Gibson again and finally get a win on the California road trip.
The nightmare finally ends
Ducks were still defending well and that is why the Lightning have not had many scoring opportunities in the third period. Anaheim was playing conservatively but if there was a chance to score, they would not waste that chance. Lightning continued to be aggressive, but Gibson shut down anything they threw at him. Lighting could not find an answer to the Ducks defense and Gibson and then gave up a costly odd-man rush. Jackson LaCombe scored extending Anaheim’s lead to 3-1. Johansson would be pulled with over two minutes to go but the damage was already done. Vatrano would score on the empty net and third time would not be the charm. Lightning end the California road trip win-less and will return home for two games before going back on the road.
Three stars of the game
1st Star: John Gibson – Saved 25 of 26 shots faced
2nd Star: Frank Vatrano – 2 goals and 1 assist
3rd Star: Troy Terry – 1 goal and 1 assist
