The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 in their second shootout in a row on a Dominic Moore shot.
Steven Stamkos scored two more goals, and now has four goal in his last two games – and six goals in his last four games. We all keep waiting for that hat trick, but it hasn’t come. Oh well. However, he’s now one point behind the injured Sidney Crosby for overall points with 65 points, and leads the NHL in goals scored with 37 goals.
It was a pretty penalty-free affair, with each team receiving three penalties each. However, that translated into only two power plays each. The first penalties, which didn’t happen until 11:40 into the second period – over halfway into the game – and they were coincidental roughing penalties.
Despite getting two power plays, the Lightning were O-fer on the man advantage.
It was a pretty up and down game – lots of skating, a few hits, some shots. I don’t want to call a hockey game boring, necessarily, but I’ve watched some more exciting 3-2 games in my time. Still, the eked out a win, and that’s what matters.
Though, I really wish they’d start winning more regularly again in regulation. Overtime might be fun for some, but the pity point in the standings for going to OT really annoys me. But I’m a simple person. I think it ought to be a point for a win, and no points for a loss – no matter if it goes into overtime or a shootout. Why get points for a loss?
Anywho, statistically speaking, it was a bit less than average game for the Lightning. Shots were 31-29 Tampa Bay, hits 17-20 Atlanta, and faceoffs 58%-42% Atlanta. Typically, they’re a bit higher in all of those categories – particularly with faceoffs. The best player in the circle was Nate Thompson, and he won six of 11 tries (55%). The worst was Stamkos, who won only one of eight (13%).
The Lightning are sixth place overall in the NHL, back up to second place in the Eastern Conference, and still sitting on top of the Southeast Division in the standings.
The next game is tonight at the Florida Panthers. Game time is 7:30 pm Eastern. The Raw Charge game thread opens at 7 pm, so stop in and say hi.
Lightning vs Thrashers recap [TSN]
Lightning vs Thrashers boxscore [TSN]
Lightning vs Thrashers coverage [SB Nation]
Bird Watchers Anonymous [SB Nation]
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