Lightning Win Close Battle With Devils 3-2

The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Thursday night. Tampa Bay continues to try and chase down the Panthers in the standings, now only two points behind. On the other hand, the Devils look like they will be missing the playoffs this year and they added another tally to their loss column.

Game Recap

Three minutes into the game, Mikhail Sergachev was in the box for a high-sticking call. On the power play, Devils defenseman Damon Severson scored to give New Jersey the first lead. The Lightning controlled the majority of the first period, outshooting the Devils 18-12. Despite that control from the Bolts, New Jersey ended the first frame on top 1-0.

The second period began with an Andreas Johnsson high-sticking penalty putting Tampa Bay a man up. On this power play, Alex Killorn logged his 14th goal of the season to tie the game at one. Later in the third, yet another high-sticking call was made as Jan Rutta was now in the box for the Bolts. While shorthanded, Anthony Cirelli found himself on a breakaway but he was hooked by Severson. Cirelli received a penalty shot that he could not capitalize on. However, Mathieu Joseph scored a shorthanded goal 26 seconds later to give the lead to the Lightning. After two periods of hockey, Tampa Bay lead 2-1.

In the final period, there were no penalties but a pair of goals instead. Just over halfway through the period, Jack Hughes tied the game at two a piece. However, this was the case for just one minute, because Cirelli regained the lead for the Lightning with a goal. The Devils outshot the Bolts 7-6 in the final period but Tampa Bay were victorious 3-2.

Vasilevskiy stopped 31 out of 33 shots for win number 24 on the season.

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Andrei Vasilevskiy makes a save on Jack Hughes during the Devils’ 3-2 loss to the Lightning. Credit: AP

The Lightning remain at home for the next two games prior to the all-star break. Tampa Bay’s next opponent will be the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, January 29th at Amalie Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.

(Featured image by Mike Carlson/NHLI via Getty Images)

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