Fresh off an 8-1 thrashing of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning were starting to feel good about themselves. They carried that mojo into Saturday night’s game against the Nashville Predators, resulting in a convincing 6-2 win.
Game Recap
Energized by their last game, the Lightning came out firing. That caught the Predators flat footed. Filip Forsberg was penalized over a minute in, sending the Bolts to the power play. They wasted little time converting on the opportunity. Victor Hedman scored his 20th goal for a 1-0 lead.
About nine minutes later, Mikhail Sergachev forced a turnover in the neutral zone. He passed the puck up to a streaking Anthony Cirelli who roofed the puck past Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. That made it 2-0.
With Cal Foote in the box for interference, Nashville broke through. Roman Josi scored on the power play to cut the Bolts lead in half at 2-1.
It didn’t last long though. One minute later, Tanner Jeannot was penalized for cross checking Sergachev. The Lightning again made the most of their chance with the man advantage. Nikita Kucherov scored his 21st, restoring a two goal lead, with 20 seconds remaining in the opening period.
The middle frame consisted of action at both ends and only two penalties, both on Pat Maroon. The first was successfully killed off, but the second opportunity saw Alex Carrier score with three seconds remaining to bring the score to 3-2.
From there, it was all Lightning.
Captain Steven Stamkos scored his 35th goal less than four minutes later to once again restore a two goal lead at 4-2.
Ross Colton continued his recent hot streak, deflecting Hedman’s shot past Saros early in the final period.
30 seconds later, Pat Maroon scored off a turnover, making it 6-2.
Game Notes
*Victor Hedman’s 20th goal tied Dan Boyle for most goals in a season by a Lightning defenseman.
*Both Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov continued their recent hot streaks by notching three points each in the win.
*With 93 points, Stamkos is seven away from notching 100 for the first time in his career.
*By scoring eight goals Thursday and six Saturday night, the Lightning tie a franchise record for most goals scored in a two-game span with 14.
*Brian Elliott made 19 saves on 21 shots to improve to 8-1-1 in his past 10 starts.
*Ross Colton scored his fifth goal in the past three games.
*Predators defenseman Roman Josi became the ninth NHL defenseman and first since Ray Bourque to score 90 points in a season.
Up Next
With the Lightning seemingly turning a corner in their play, they face their biggest test yet when they travel to Sunrise for a nationally televised game on Sunday night, April 24. Puck drop is set for 7pm EST.