TAMPA, FLA- Winner of their last four games and the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning hosted the Ottawa Senators at Amalie Arena on Tuesday, March 1.
Brayden Point turned in a terrific night. The Lighting’s center produced four points as Tampa Bay took care of the senators on five unanswered goals to win 5-2
Brayden Point was the main man for the Lightning on Tuesday night. Scoring his 21st goal of the season in the first period, he also set up his teammates, picking up three assists in the win.
Ottawa’s season hasn’t gone too well as the Senators are well below .500 and are unlikely to reach the postseason. Despite the tough year, the Senators put in a complete effort on Tuesday to challenge the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions.
In the opening period, Ottawa scored a goal from Tyler Ennis (6) and Zack Sanford (9) in the game’s first four minutes, seizing an early advantage.
The Lighting responded to the early goals given up, as the No. 8 offense in the NHL tied the game back up before the end of the period with goals by Nikita Kucherov (10) and Point (21).
Tampa rode the momentum through the remainder of the game, scoring twice more in the second period by Steven Stamkos (26) and Corey Perry (15) to take a 4-2 lead heading into the third period.
The lighting added one more goal in the final period by Mikhail Sergachev (3) while allowing none in return for the Senators.
Big Penalty Minutes, Even Stats
This game was chippy and physical. Both sides spent plenty of time serving penalty minutes as they both were faulted with nine penalties each, tallying for 48 penalty minutes in the game.
Even though the scorecard will show a big goal differential, this game had the making of an even matchup based on the game statistics.
Both teams had four power-play opportunities. Tampa laid only two more hits than Ottawa did, while also only winning two more faceoffs. The Senators outshot the Lightning 26-22.
Every major statistical category in this game was close, the only difference was the Lightning’s ability to put the puck in the back of the net.
Lightning Climbing
The battle for the No.1 spot in the Eastern Conference will a tight one until the end of the regular season.
Currently, the Carolina Hurricanes hold the top spot with 78 points, but the Lightning are right behind at 76.
In the Eastern Conference, six teams have more than 70 points on the year, meaning every game will matter at the top of the conference to determine seeding for the postseason.
Up Next
Tampa will remain home to host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, March 3.
Ottawa stays in the state of Florida to take on the Panthers on Thursday, March 3.
