Lightning defeat Detroit 3-1 in exciting contest

The red hot Tampa Bay Lightning looked like two-time Stanley Cup champions in a 3-1 victory over Detroit on Friday night.  All three goals were scored on the power play as the Red Wings special teams once again cost them an opportunity against an excellent Lightning hockey club.

First Period

The first period was a pretty evenly contested 20 minutes with the Lightning holding a 10-8 edge in shots.  Both teams were 0/1 on the power play.  The period ended even at 0-0.

Second Period

The second period was all Tampa Bay as the Lightning carried the play for most of the period.  The Lightning scored a power play goal at the 6:43 mark with Vladislav Namesnikov in the box for tripping.  Robby Fabbri evened the scored at the 13:05 mark of the second period.  Moritz Seider started the play and picked up the primary assist.  This was the 8th consecutive game that Seider has picked up at least one point, adding to his record for consecutive games by a Detroit rookie defensemen.

The Red Wings had a power play opportunity at the 14:52 mark of the period but were unable to convert.  Tampa Bay outshot the Red Wings 19-6 and held a two period advantage 29-14.  The game was tied 1-1 after two.

Third Period

Pius Suter took a penalty at the 8:25 mark of the thrid period.  The Lightning scored their second power play goal of the night with four seconds remaining in the penalty.  The Lightniing would lead 2-1 with under 10 minutes to go in the third.

With the Detroit goaltender pulled, Tyler Bertuzzi missed a glorious opportunity to tie the game.  Lucas Raymond took a hooking penalty to save a goal with 0:49 remaining in the game.  The Red Wings once again gave up an empty net goal, this one with two seconds remaining in regulation.

The Lightning were 2/2 in power play opportunities in the third, and 3/4 in the game.  Detroit’s power play was 0/2 on the night.

Shots on goal in the thrid period were 9-9.  The Lightning outshot Detroit 38-23 for the game.  Final score 3-1 Tampa Bay over Detroit.

The Red Wings are back at it Saturday at 6:00 PM ET, when they travel to Sunrise, FL to play the Florida Panthers.