The Tampa Bay Lightning were the most unlucky team in the first two periods and then gave up in the Third. The Bolts had chance after chance but just could not get the puck in the net. As for the Capitals, they jumped on the Bolts quickly and never looked back. This was a heartbreaking loss for the Lightning as their season is now over. Where as, the Capitals have advanced to the Stanley Cup Final to face the Golden Knights. Let’s take a look at how we got here period by period.

First Period

The Lightning got off to a horrendous start as the Caps quickly jumped on the Bolts, Ovechkin sniped one past Vasy for a 1-0 lead. Things did not get any better as Point took a bad penalty (Holding) to send the Caps to the power play. The Caps got a few great chances but could not capitalize and the Bolts remained within 1. The Bolts then had a huge chance to tie this game as Kuch sent one right to Killorn who was all alone but got denied by Holtby. The Bolts then finally got things going with a few more good chances in the offensive zone. McDonagh then took a shot from the point that hit Smith-Pelly in the back of the neck who immediately left the game. The Bolts kept up the pressure and did not let the Caps get any sort of zone time. Ovechkin then got a huge chance at the side of the net but Vasy made an unbelievable save! Things then got chippy as both teams got together in front of the net. Coburn then ripped off Kuznetsov jersey and Wilson did not like it one bit. Both Wilson and Coburn would head to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct and we would play 4 on 4 hockey. The Bolts could not buy a break as they just couldn’t find the back of the net. As soon as Coburn and Wilson got out of the box they went at it right away! Amalie Arena was rocking once again after a huge fight. The Bolts big opportunities didn’t stop as Point had the puck right in front of the net but would just miss wide. Time would then expire and despite an amazing 17 minutes of play by the Bolts they were down by 1.

Goals: 1-0 Washington

Shots: 10-9 Tampa Bay

Second Period

The Bolts picked up things right where they left off, with chance after chance but they just couldn’t score. Hedman then cranked one that would hit the post and go wide then the puck was sitting on the line and Gourde couldn’t put it home! The Bolt’s luck just would not change but it was the Lightning dominating shift after shift. The Caps would ocasionaly get a quick chance but the Bolts would bring it right back in the offensive zone. The Bolts luck would just not change as the puck hit Girardi and then Andre Burakovsky was able to steal it and be all alone to put it past Vasy for a 2-0 lead. It was the same story as the game went on with more Lightning chances but no pucks in the back of the net. Killlorn then broke off with a breakaway and Lightning fans on their feet, but he would be denied by Holtby. Paquette then crunched Orpik into the boards and he did not get up from the hit. Orpik would then get on his feet and be helped off. Neither team had been penalized in the period, even though there definitely could have been. The Caps then got their one chance, after a flurry from the Bolts, as Andre Burakovsky found himself on a breakaway after he slipped past the Lightning defense and he would make it 3-0 Caps. Time would then expire and the Caps would be just 20 min away from their second Stanley Cup Final in franchise history. The Bolts then had a bad turnover and Ovi came flying in but Vasy made the stop. Time was running out and the Bolts needed to score now.

Goals: 3-0 Washington

Shots: 22-15 Tampa Bay

Third Period

With 20 more to go the Bolts had to get going quick. They got a few more shots on net but that wouldn’t do as the Bolts still trailed by 3. The Bolts would finally catch a break as Matt Niskanen would get 2 for high sticking. The Bolts could not take advantage as they gave a lackluster performance on the power play. The Bolts performance then started to get drop as they were not giving it their all. Neither team was getting any big chances and time was flying by. The Bolts then started to pick things back up getting a few more chances, but still culdn’t get one past Holtby.

Goals: 3-0 Washington

Shots: 34-24 Washington

3 Stars

1.  Brayden Holtby (29SV, 0GA)
2. Andre Burakovsky (2G)
3. Alex Ovechkin (1G)

Up Next and Final Strike

Such a poor effort from the Bolts in a Game 7. They had chance after chance but just could not capitalize. I can defend the Bolts play in the first two periods as there were only really two times they looked bad. They even dominated at times, but the issue came in the Final 20 as it looked like the Bolts completely gave up even though their season was on the line. You have got to be better in games like this no excuses. This was a heartbreaking loss once again and the Bolts season has come to a close.