Tampa Bay Lightning Fall in OT to Yanni Gourde and Kraken

The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up their five-game home-stand while getting a point in all five games. Tampa Bay was able to salvage a point in the final game but fell to the Seattle Kraken 4-3 in overtime Monday night.

For the second time this season, Brandon Hagel brought the Lightning level late in the third period  and forced overtime. And for the third time this season, the Lightning were not able to find the winner in overtime but Tampa Bay has managed to get a point out of each of their home games.

Slow out of the Gate

After not playing since last Thursday, the Lightning came out of the gate slow in the opening period Monday night. Seattle recorded 20 shots on goal in the first period and scored three goals, one of which came from Yanni Gourde. The Lightning were able to get one of their own thanks to Tanner Jeannot but allowing three goals in the first period presents a tough hill to climb.

Tampa Bay responded well and were significantly better in the second and third periods and outscored the Kraken 2-0. The Lightning came dangerously close to taking the lead late in the third period as well including a near miss by Jeannot that hit the post.

“The game was lost in the first period” Jon Cooper said after the game. Tampa Bay did well to come back and get a point out of this game but a slow start to the game really doomed them.

OT Woes Continue

The Lightning have now lost their last six games that have gone to overtime in playoffs and in regular season. Obviously playoff overtime is much different but there seems to be a bit of a mental hurdle right now with this team in overtime.

For all three of the Lightning’s overtime losses this season, the story has been the same: lose the opening face-off and struggle to get the puck back. Tampa Bay barely touched the puck in overtime again and a failed to get a shot on goal. After Nick Paul was sent to the box for hooking in the extra frame, that was all she wrote as the Kraken won their first ever game against the Lightning.

Barre-Boulet Continues to Impress

One of the positive takeaways from this game was that Alex Barre-Boulet continues to gain confidence and has been a consistent scoring threat. Barre-Boulet added a goal and an assist Monday night with his goal coming while working on the Lightning’s second power play unit.

Barre-Boulet was actually bumped down from the first line and skated with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel when the Lightning were chasing the game and trying to come back in the third period. Despite not being on the top line any longer, Barre-Boulet continued creating chances and this line was able to score the game tying goal that got the Lightning a point.