The winning streak for the Lightning ended at seven games, as they lost a tough one to the St. Louis Blues by a score of 4-3 on Saturday night.
Tampa Bay started off slow as they couldn’t get anything going in the first period and it showed as the Blues scored three times in the first frame, and were all over the Lightning. Solid stick checks and good neutral zone pressure got to the Lightning as it was difficult for them to exit there own end and then advance into the offensive zone.
The intermission was good for the Bolts as they came out and scored two goals in the second period, one by Brayden Point and a shorthanded goal by Alex Killorn. They also outshot the Blues 19-8 in the period. They looked like the usual Lightning as they put a lot of pressure on the Blues and were able to capitalize on opportunities. They could have scored a lot more in the period but hit the post one too many times.
The Lightning built off a solid second period with another good third. Stamkos scored goal number 39 on the season to make it 4-3. Later on, it looked like he tied up the game with his 40th on the power play, but it was called back as the play was ruled offsides.
Stammer in the slot! (Alternatively known as his first goal of the game...)#TBLvsSTL | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/Q8SbYaVIlE
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 24, 2019
The Bolts outshot the Blues 42-26 as St. Louis goaltender Jordan Binnington stood on his head for the win. Andrei Vasilevskiy had a great game, robbing the Blues of many quality scoring chances to keep the Lightning in it.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Jordan Binnington (STL)– He won the game for the Blues standing on his head and making quality saves on 35 out of 37 Lightning shots.
2- Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL)– Vasy kept the Lightning in the game the whole time. Even when they left him out to dry, he made quality and big saves.
3- Brayden Point (TBL)– Finished the night with a goal in the game and eight shots on goal. He added a lot of pressure by using his speed and set up his teammates with good chances.
The Lightning will look for win No. 59 as they return home Monday to face the Boston Bruins.