The Tampa Bay Lightning lost to the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in a shootout.
You know how Philadelphia’s the number one team in the Eastern Conference? And how they’re the second best team in the NHL? Right? The Lightning stuck with them all game. Sure, it took that penalty shot to wake them up and really get them going, but still.
For me, at least, it’s really starting to sink in. I guess this really means that the Lightning really are a legitimately good team. Who would’ve thunk that a couple of months ago, huh?
Yes, they lost. And they lost in a shootout, no less. But think about that for a second. It was in a shootout. They had been down 3-1 in the second period. But they came back and tied things up with the second best team in the NHL.
And they looked like they belonged with one of the best all game. They dominated statistically the first two periods, but the Flyers got the lucky bounces. Dwayne Roloson, after the second Flyers goal, had let in two goals on 10 shots. Not that he had a bad night, necessarily, but a couple just got past him.
The player of the game was undoubtedly Vincent Lecavalier. The guy is hot right now, having scored five goals in four games, and racked up nine points in his last eight games. He played a grittier game than he usually does, camping out in front of the net and scrumming around in the corners, and it suited him.
But then, Vinny’s line has been clicking lately, too. Teddy Purcell‘s got 11 points in his last eight games, and Simon Gagne has eight points in his last eight games. And I have to admit, it’s been nice to see Gagne contributing as he has – particularly with how he had struggled early on this season.
A guy who dominated was Dominic Moore. He won 10 out of 13 faceoffs on the night. But not only that, he had three shots on goal, three hits, and two blocked shots. And of course we can’t forget that he scored a goal as well.
The next game is Thursday, 17 February, against the Detroit Red Wings. Game time is 7:30 pm Eastern. Detroit is currently the third best team in the NHL in the standings, while Tampa Bay is fourth. If you don’t got to the game, then join us here on Raw Charge!
Flyers vs Lightning recap [TSN]
Flyers vs Lightning boxscore [TSN]
Flyers vs Lightning coverage [SB Nation]
Broad Street Hockey [SB Nation]
How are you feeling about where Tampa Bay is in the standings?
| Who cares where they are in the standing so long as they make playoffs! | 16 |
| They’re exactly where I thought they’d be all along this season | 11 |
| Knew from the beginning they’d at least make playoffs, but to be this good took me by surprise | 92 |
| Had my doubts about making playoffs at first, but now I’m a believer | 29 |
| Can’t wrap my head around this just yet – they’re really going to make playoffs? | 5 |
| Still in denial; I’ll believe playoffs when I see them | 1 |
| Waiting for the monumental collapse to happen; it’ll come | 14 |
