The Tampa Bay Lightning suffered a last second loss to the New York Rangers on Saturday night.
First Frame
In the first period, not a lot of action was brewing. Tampa Bay definitely seemed like the faster team, not that it meant anything. The Rangers would not have a shot on goal until the six minute mark. The Rangers got the first man advantage of the night due to a delay of game. New York’s power play percentage is second in the league with 26.9%, but Tampa Bay came up huge with a big penalty kill against one of the best man advantage teams in the league. Both goalies, Igor and Andre, looked very strong in the middle moments of the game. The Lightning went on the man advantage for the first time Saturday when Patrick Nemeth went to the box for interference. Brayden Point of the Lighting scored on the power play, making it 1-0 late in the period. It was his 23rd goal of the season, assisted by Victor Hedman.
Second Frame
Early on in the second period, things were very quiet; a couple of shots on net for each team but that was about it. During the period, there were four penalties and two by each team. Surprisingly, both power play units did not score on the man advantages. As both goalies stood strong, the middle of the period still saw a 1-0 Tampa Bay lead. However, New York equalized the game thanks to Jacob Trouba’s unassisted goal, his 10th of the year. The Rangers definitely seemed like the better team, even though the game was tied at one. Late in the period, the Rangers would go another power play, but things stayed put with the game tied entering the final frame.
Third Frame
Tampa started the third frame on the penalty kill, and did what the doctor orders. At this point in time, New York was 0/5 on the power play. Goaltenders have had stellar, defensive performances thus far. However, with about two minutes to go in the final period, the Rangers got another man advantage. Mika Zibanejad cashed in for NY with only 20 seconds remaining in regulation. It was Mika’s 25th of the season to push New York out of Tampa Bay with a win.
What’s Next?
The Lightning will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina to play the Hurricanes on Tuesday night.