The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 in overtime on Thursday night. With the win, Tampa Bay has clinched a playoff spot while sitting third in the Atlantic division. Meanwhile, Anaheim’s destiny was pre-determined heading in to the night as they will be hitting the links early.
Game Recap
The game began with former Anaheim teammates, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry taking the opening faceoff. The two won a cup in ’07 and combined for 1,699 points together; Getzlaf will retire following the season. The scoring did not take long to get underway as Ross Colton scored off a tip 2:37 in. Soon after, the Lightning would get a chance on the power play. The reason for their man advantage was a Ryan Getzlaf tripping penalty. Despite not scoring on the power play, Tampa Bay added one more via Alex Killorn to end the period. The first period ended 2-0 in favor of the Bolts.
The middle frame was all Anaheim. Adam Henrique began the period with a tip-in goal, 2-1 Tampa Bay. Then, the Ducks killed off a penalty. Eight seconds after the penalty kill, Henrique scored again, making it 2-2. 22 seconds following Henrique’s second goal, Troy Terry potted in number three, making it 3-2 Ducks. Anaheim would finish the period on an unsuccessful power play, however, they gained the lead.
The third period was controlled by Tampa Bay. Down by one goal and with a ticket to the playoffs at stake, the Lightning received a power play. Despite their efforts, they could not capitalize and would have to continue to battle. Battling to the final seconds, Tampa Bay pulled their goalie. Kucherov rolled across the blue line, shooting across the screen, picking top corner with 12 seconds remaining, making it 3-3.
With a tie at the end of regulation, it was time for fast paced 3v3 action. Alex Killorn would find a breakaway chance and he sealed the deal for a 4-3 win. However, the play would be ruled back due to offsides. Despite this, the game would not last much longer as Cirelli put home the game winner for Tampa Bay.
FL Teams Star of the Game
Steven Stamkos dished the puck for an apple twice in Thursday’s game, recording two assists. The first was on the opening goal to Ross Colton. The second was his 50th of the season to force the game into overtime. This is the third time in Stamkos’ career that he has recorded 50 assists in a season.
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