The Tampa Bay Lightning won both games of their two game home-stand following wins over the Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks. The wins came following a disappointing road-trip in which the Lightning dropped back-to-back games and only won one out of three.
Over these two games at home, the Lightning were pretty dominant for the most part, scoring 11 goals in two games. Despite the outburst offensively, the wins did not feel as good as they could have as multiple lapses while playing with the lead resulted in quite a few late goals against.
In the two wins, the Lightning conceded four total goals in the third periods while holding on to leads. Surrendering goals late left a bit of a sour taste after what should have been very positive victories.
Thursday’s win over Vancouver saw the Lightning concede two goals late after leading 5-2. Vancouver mounted quite the push at the end and nearly tied things at the horn but Andrei Vasilevskiy made a big, last gasp save.
What a save from Vasy to end the game! #BOLTSWIN pic.twitter.com/hJzEGHk4Sc
— Bally Sports Sun: Lightning (@BallyLightning) January 13, 2023
In the two wins, Nikita Kucherov recorded three goals and three assists. Kucherov has been on an absolute tear of late, notching a point in 15 of his last 17 games.
Thursday’s win was highlighted by Steven Stamkos recording the 500th goal of his career. And in signature fashion, he did it from the left circle on the power play.
Goal No. 499 for Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) comes from his office. 🏢 pic.twitter.com/NazVuhXPvM
— NHL (@NHL) January 13, 2023
The players tried to feed Stamkos throughout the third period, looking for 500 but it was not to be as it will likely come on the road as the Lightning will play their next five games away from home.
