Lightning Take Toronto By Storm

By: John Gionfrancesco

Overview

The Tampa Bay Lightning came into Toronto being booed at morning skate by a group of hockey kids attending the skate. Whelp, that ignited the league leading Bolts to a 6-2 thumping of the Leafs. This was another sound game that had little blemishes from the Bolts. Erne was back in the line up and Rutta stayed in as Stralman and Girardi both still out. Top to bottom the Lightning were rolling 4 lines deep and the defense was up to the task on both ends of the ice. Vasilevskiy remained his normal self and improved his “after a loss” record to 11-0-1.

1st Period

From the drop of the puck the Lightning were finishing checks and using their speed. First to the puck on dump-ins, tape to tape passing and a few early chances really set the pace for the game. After a face off won, a set play would result in Johnson making it 1-0. Later in the period, another strong shift by the third line would see Cirelli scoring on a redirect to make it 2-0 Lightning. Toronto would have a few moments of possession time but Vasy and the Bolts stood firm.

2nd Period

The second period brought more Lightning and a new goalie for the Leafs. After allowing a rebound goal to Johnson for a 3-0 lead, a few lucky bounces saw Palat get credit for the 4th Lightning goal 30 seconds apart. Sparks would relieve Andersen. Later in the period, the Leafs would do a full line change which allowed the Lightning a shorthanded 3 on 1 and, tape to tape to tape, 5-1 Tampa as Paquette buried a one timer from Hedman and Gourde. Matthews would show some skill and dangle his way to a shutout breaking goal but that was about it for the Leafs. Jan Rutta would record his first point as a Bolt getting the secondary assist on the Palat goal.

3rd Period

Not too much would change in the third. Toronto was stifled on all aspects and Paquette would score his 2nd of the night on a beautiful redirection off a shot pass from Yanni Gourde. Rutta picked up his 2nd assist of the game and 2nd as a Bolt. Toronto would score with 4 seconds left to make it a 6-2 final.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this was a sexy game for the Lightning. Dawning their home blues tonight, they played like they were at Amalie. Speed, fore-checking and premier passing were all displayed tonight. This was a game that left a statement as Paquette said “we showed them why we’re the best team in the league.” Also, the Lightning are now 11-0-0 when Cedric Paquette scores a goal. Pretty cool, huh? Anyways, defense moved the pucks well and all lines were rolling. Vasy did everything right again and got his 32nd win of the season. Johnson and Paquette with 2 goals a piece and many secondary players had big nights. Rutta, Gourde, even Palat played very well. Next game is at Detroit as the Bolts will be wearing the blue sweater again. Go Bolts!