A costly pair of turnovers marks the end of the five-game winning streak in an unfortunate defeat against the Detroit Red Wings. Andrei Vasilevskiy did all he could to keep the Lightning in the game, but Detroit was on top of their game throughout the night. Playing a back-to-back is never fun but that was far from the excuse in a losing affair. No matter what the offense tried to do, the Red Wings always had an answer along with a strong showing from their netminder Alex Lyon. It was a rough way to snap the winning streak, but much can be learned from a defeat like this one.
Magician at work
The back-to-back began with both teams busy in the offensive zone. Fatigue was nowhere to be seen from the Lightning as they had no issue moving the puck and defending their side of the ice. Five minutes in and Tampa was outshooting the Red Wings 4 to 1. Neither team had a good look on the net to this point. Soon after, Detroit almost opened up the scoring, but Vasilevskiy was able to make the save. Nobody was able to gain momentum, but the Red Wings looked better offensively with nearly half the period gone. However, Lightning started the scoring after back-and-forth passes with Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman. Hedman had an open net to shoot at and wasted no time to give Tampa a 1-0 lead. Lightning gained the momentum, but Detroit quickly tried to answer back after Tampa had trouble getting fresh players on the ice. No damage was done, and the score remained 1-0.
Heddy and Kuch starting the night right 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/jXpaOrxtGd
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) January 22, 2024
Unlucky attempt
Then, the Lightning had trouble getting the puck out of their zone which allowed the Red Wings to begin an offensive attack. Vasilevskiy remained sharp in the net keeping the lead with 3:38 to go in the period with Detroit’s offense continuously firing pucks on net outshooting the Lightning 10 to 5. Fearing the puck would slide in the net, Vasilevskiy tried to make a stick save, but Lucas Raymond’s shot went in anyway. It was a good shot regardless and a perfect response by the home team. No further goals were scored, and the period ended with the score tied up at 1.
Mistake on a line change
Red Wings offense went to work right away but could not nab the early lead in the period. Lightning continued to have turnovers in their own zone which was giving Detroit their best chances to score. Play on the ice began to cool off with the score still even at 1-1 until Detroit was able to score on a turnover after a Lightning line change. Daniel Sprong was all alone with the puck and easily scored to give Detroit the 2-1 lead. It was only a matter of time before all these turnovers would come back to bite the Lightning. First penalty of the night went against the Lightning with Austin Watson going to box for hi sticking.
Vasy reminds us why he is the best
Detroit was solid on the power play but Vasilevskiy somehow was able to hold them off allowing the penalty to nearly be killed off. However Luke Glendenning is sent off for tripping giving the Red Wings more time on the man-advantage. Raymond nearly scored his second of the game but the puck went off the post and the rebound was stopped. If it were not for Vasilevskiy Detroit would have scored multiple goals by now as they completely dominated Tampa Bay this period. Somehow the score remained 2-1 after both penalties are successfully killed off and the team better thank their goaltender for that. Period ended with the score remaining 2-1 Red Wings.
Cold offense
Third period began with the Lightning this time applying the offensive pressure. Next, Lightning headed on the power play for the first time after Spring is called for hooking. This was a much needed power play for the Lightning after playing an abysmal second period and this was a perfect time to tie the game up. Unfortunately, the Lightning come up empty handed on the power play and the score remains 2-1. Midway through the period and play was not nearly as chaotic as it was in the second. Lightning would have to act fast though to try and even the score.
Farewell winning streak
Then, another penalty was called on Detroit giving Tampa another chance on the power play. Once again, Bolts come up empty handed on the man-advantage as the final stages of the period arrived. Detroit continued to do a good job of containing the Lightning offense and played conservatively to keep their one goal lead intact. Lightning pulled Vasilevskiy with a couple of minutes to go in hopes to send the game to overtime. With 11 seconds left Lightning again went on the power play with their last chance to force overtime. Ultimately, Detroit went on to win the game 2-1 thus ending Tampa’s five-game winning streak. Next up on the schedule is a trip to Philadelphia to face the surprising Flyers Tuesday night.
Three stars of the game
1st Star: Alex Lyon – Saved 27 of 28 shots faced
2nd Star: Andrei Vasilevskiy – Saved 33 of 35 shots faced
3rd Star: Daniel Sprong – 1 goal
