Wild dominated play on both ends of the ice to snap the Lightning’s 4 game win streak in a brutal 5-1 loss on the road. Brian Elliott once again was in net as Andrei Vasilevskiy was out due to illness. Lightning rolled out with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in what would be a forgettable game for the Bolts. For some reason playing in Minnesota was never kind to the Lightning and tonight was no different.
Scoreless beginning
Starting off, Tampa looked to score early but were stopped by Minnesota’s defense. Then, Brayden Point had a breakaway opportunity that was stopped by Filip Gustavsson. Pace of the game remained smooth with both teams keeping the puck in motion. At this point, Point and Mats Zuccarello were the best players offensively. With nearly half of the period to go, Tampa received the first power play of the night. Jordan Greenway was sent to the box for rouging after the whistle. Pat Maroon was also involved yet was not penalized. Next, Wild kill off the penalty keeping the game scoreless with over 8 minutes to go.
Wild score first
Afterwards, Minnesota would strike first with a goal by Joel Eriksson Ek. Shot was deflected before it traveled past Elliott giving the Wild a 1-0 lead. As the period went on the Wild played a physically sound game which was giving Tampa a hard time. Lightning were rolling with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen which meant a lot of line shuffles occurred as the game went on. Period ended with the Wild holding on to the 1-0 lead.
Abysmal performance
Much like the first period Tampa’s offense went to work right away. Gustavsson remained solid in net while the Bolts controlled the puck better compared to the opening frame. Later on, Minnesota would go on the power play for the first time tonight after Steven Stamkos is called for tripping. Unfortunately, Wild took advantage on the power play to extend their lead. Krill Kaprizov ripped a shot that beat Brian Elliott to give Minnesota a 2-0 lead. Soon after, Wild scored again to extend their lead 3-0. While Elliott was screened Calen Addison fired the puck that was re-directed and then found the back of the net.
Signs of life
Again, Wild went on the power play for a second time after Alex Killorn is sent off for hooking. This time Bolts kill off the penalty keeping the score 3-0 in favor of Minnesota. Lightning went on the power play for a second time after Ryan Hartman is sent off for hooking. As a result, Anthony Cirelli was called for rouging due to going after Hartman following the whistle, but Hartman was called for roughing as well. On the power play Tampa would score the goal they desperately needed. Point scored his team leading 22nd goal to cut the Wild lead 3-1. However, Wild answered the Point goal with a goal by Sam Steel giving them a 4-1 lead late in the second. Lightning would finish the period on the power play as Matt Dumba was given a double minor for Hi-sticking.
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Gustavsson remains stellar
To begin the period Tampa remained on the power play but could not score before it expired. Wild successfully killed off the double minor and looked to fully shutdown any hopes Tampa had of getting back in the game. As the period went on Tampa tried again and again to score but could not answer Gustafsson. With 6:31 left in the period Lightning would have a crucial penalty kill after they were called for too many men. Afterwards, Brandon Hagel is called for roughing, but Eriksson Ek is also called for a penalty thus off-setting the penalties. Finally, Kaprizov would net an empty net goal as the Wild defeated the Lightning 5-1. The loss snapped Tampa’s 4 game win streak as they head to Winnipeg to finish off the road trip.
Three stars of the game
1st Star: Filip Gustavsson – Saved 34 of 35 shots faced
2nd Star: Calen Addison – 1 goal and 2 assists
3rd Star: Jared Spurgeon – 1 assist and 2 blocks
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