Andrei Vasilevskiy suffered his first-career regular season loss against the Detroit Red Wings, 3-4, on Tuesday night.
First Frame:
The first period was really defensive, but the Lightning needed an early start against a young Detroit team that can upset strong teams. Tampa Bay was definitely the faster team, recording 15 shots, however, the game was scoreless. Tyler Bertuzzi hooked Brayden Point five minutes into the first period, but Tampa Bay could not cash in. Combined, both goalies (Andrei Vasilevskiy and Thomas Greiss) faced a combined 20 shots in the first frame.
Second Frame:
As said earlier, the Lightning needed a fast start to get things rolling at Amalie Arena. Three minutes and 28 seconds into the second period, Ross Colton netted a one-timer past the goal crease with a nice set up assist by Steven Stamkos. Ross Colton’s ice-breaking goal would be good for his 18th of the year and his 34th point. Not even two minutes after Colton’s goal, the Detroit Red Wings would score three unanswered goals to give them a two-goal lead. Oskar Sundqvist, Jakub Vrana, and Lucas Raymond would all go on a run to make things interesting all under the span of five minutes.
The Lightning would go on the man advantage for the second time and would connect. Nikita Kucherov scored his 19th goal on the power play to bring Tampa Bay within one. An eventful second period came to a close as the Lightning closed the margin just a bit. Shots were in favor of Detroit, 16 to 13.
Third Frame:
Like the second period, the Lightning wasted no time out of the gate. 43 seconds in, Ross Colton scored his second goal of the game, tying the game at three apiece. It was just what the doctor ordered for the Tampa Bay Lightning. At the five minute mark in the third frame, the Red Wings re-took the lead courtesy of Jakub Vrana, his second of the game and 12th of the year to make it 4-3. Thus far, early on in the third period, there was very entertaining play style from both teams.
Tampa looked to respond before the final buzzer but had no response in them. The Red Wings beat the Bolts 4-3 in regulation.
What’s Next?
The Tampa Bay Lightning will host Toronto on Thursday, April 21st. Puck drop will be at 8:00 P.M.