Tampa Bay Lightning Highlights: Vladislav Namestnikov Snipes The Five-Hole (Video)
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov raced towards the net where he skillfully sniped the five-hole of Colorado Avalanche goaltender Calvin Pickard.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been putting on quite the show over the course of the last few games; especially when you compare them to a good portion of the 2016-17 season. Tonight’s encounter with the Colorado Avalanche is no exception to the recent rule.
It may have taken the first 18 minutes of the period, but the Lightning struck first blood in the first period with a spectacular goal from Lightning forward Brayden Point. After heading into the first intermission with a one-goal lead, the Lightning was obligated to fight to keep momentum on their side; at least if you ask the fans.
The Tampa Bay Lightning dominated much of the second period, but the Avalanche was able to hold off the Bolts for at least the first half of the period. From then on, it was pretty much all about the Lightning.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Lightning center Valtteri Filppula carried the puck into the neutral zone. Speeding alongside him was Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov.
Namestnikov was heavily covered by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie, but when push came to shove, Namestnikov was able to beat him out.
Now, the only thing left to do was find a way to beat Avalanche goaltender Calvin Pickard.
Unfortunately for Pickard, Namestnikov had him completely sold on a direction and Pickard slid right out of position. Namestnikov quickly flipped the script and took the shot. Vladdy almost made it look easy.
Namestnikov has three points in the last five games. In addition to his goal tonight, Vladdy had a multi-point night on February 7th with two assists in the Lightning’s 5-0 rout of the Los Angeles Kings.
The 24-year-old Russian forward is probably one of the most under-rated players on the entire team. While his name isn’t always at the forefront of every conversation, he is definitely an asset to the team. He has tremendous speed and a killer shot, as he proved tonight.
Namestnikov reached a career-high last season where he scored 14 goals and 21 assists for a total of 35 points. At this point in the season, Namestnikov has seven goals and 14 assists under his belt for a grand total of 21 points. There is still a lot of hockey to play this season, and if he gets hot he may be able to set a new record for himself.
Speaking of hockey to be had, there is still a lot of it to be played tonight in Denver. Hopefully, the Tampa Bay Lightning will keep momentum on their side and bring home a much-needed two points. The Lightning isn’t that far out of a playoff spot. If the Lightning plans to claim this spot, it is going to take a lot of hard work.
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The good news is, the Tampa Bay Lightning are no strangers to adversity. The Bolts have been down this road before, and they have managed to come out on the other side. If the Lightning can continue to play the way they have over the course of the last few games, they have a solid chance of salvaging their season.