Tampa Bay Lightning Highlights: Vladislav Namestnikov Breaks The Ice Against Flames (Video)
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov breaks the ice early in the first period against the Calgary Flames at the Amalie Arena.
The Tampa Bay Lightning find themselves in an interesting position tonight as they take on the Calgary Flames in the second game of their current four-game homestand. Should the Lightning emerge victoriously against the Flames, the Bolts will extend their point streak to a stellar eight games.
Of course, given the Calgary Flames find themselves in a similar position to the Tampa Bay Lightning (fighting for one of the coveted spots in the postseason), we’re pretty sure the Flames are going to have something to say about this.
On the bright side, you know who else has something to say about this? Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov, that’s who has something to say about this. Of course, what he has to say is much more slanted towards the Lightning.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The action really kicked into high gear just after the halfway point in the first period. Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point was able to maintain control of the puck from Flames defenseman Deryk Engelland behind the Flames net. After surveying his options, Point sent the puck forward to Braydon Coburn.
The 31-year-old Lightning defenseman moved the puck towards the center of the ice when he saw Flames forward Kris Versteeg closing in on him. Wasting no time, Coburn pulled back his stick and fired a shot on the net.
As the puck sailed towards the net, the puck was tipped in the air by Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov. After changing direction ever-so-slightly, the puck sailed past Flames netminder Brian Elliott and into the back of the net to open up the scoring for the Bolts.
Here’s a closer look at the goal thanks to NHL.com.
Vladdy’s goal in the first period makes the third game in a row where the 24-year-old Russian forward would put the puck in the back of the net. In the 55 games Vladdy has played so far this season, he has brought home eight goals and 14 assists for a total of 22 points.
While Vladislav Namestnikov got the credit for the goal, we cannot possibly stress how invaluable Brayden Point was in making this play happen. Heck, there are almost no appropriate words to describe how much he has contributed to the team as a whole since returning from injury.
Point has some amazing speed, tremendous puck handling ability, and stellar playmaking ability. Point is almost reminiscent of a young Martin St. Louis. One could easily expect great things from him as he continues his hockey journey.
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There is still quite a bit of hockey left to play tonight. As we’ve said before, the Lightning has a lot on the line in tonight’s game. If they want to bring home the two points tonight against the Flames, they are going to have to keep their feet on the gas and continue to dictate the pace of the game.