Lightning stunned by early 3-1 loss to Rangers

Lightning stunned by early 3-1 loss to Rangers

By means of two durations, the Lightning and Rangers have been tied 1-1, and apart from the six minutes the Rangers spent on the ability play, the sport had been a reasonably even one.

However, within the third interval, the Rangers pulled away – and never simply on the scoreboard. The third interval stat line exhibits that the Lightning outshot the Rangers, 11-9, however that quantity is deceptive.

The Rangers dictated play for a lot of the ultimate body. They efficiently killed off three Lightning energy performances within the third. They usually scored the eventual successful objective on an influence play of their very own.

The Rangers owned a bonus when the third interval was at even strength, too. They ended the Lightning’s performance within the New York defensive zone and averted turnovers. On the different finish of the ice, a Lightning d-zone turnover occurred shortly earlier than Barclay Goodrow’s insurance coverage tally.

Within the first interval, nonetheless, this recreation seemed very totally different. A lot of the motion was performed five-on-five. The Lightning skated with tempo and loved a number of prolonged offensive zone shifts. Whereas they did not accumulate an excessive quantity of photographs or shot make an attempt, they generated a number of good scoring probabilities on Igor Shesterkin.

The second interval featured extra particular groups’ motion, which took the circulation out of the sport. Nonetheless, five-on-five photographs although the primary two durations have been shut – simply 13-12 in favor of the Rangers. That is a good illustration of how the sport was performed when the groups have been at even power. However, through the opening 40 minutes, the Rangers registered 13 extra photographs throughout three unsuccessful energy play alternatives. Additionally, they posted 4 shorthanded photographs, one in all of which went within the web.

So despite the fact that the Lightning’s lone objective got here throughout a five-on-three energy play, Tampa Bay was outplayed by particular groups on this recreation. The Rangers, after they have been on the penalty kill, have been far more efficient at limiting the period of time spent within the defensive zone. After they had an opportunity to clear pucks, they did it. The Lightning, however, usually spent a lot of their kills caught in their very own finish.

Throughout New York’s first interval energy play, the Lightning misplaced all three face-offs. This led to loads of New York possession time. On the ultimate three kills, nonetheless, the Lightning went 3-1 on face-offs.

However, then they struggled to clear pucks after successful these attract. Consequently, the Rangers have been capable of applying constant energy play strain. Mika Zibanejad’s energy play objective within the third got here moments after the Lightning received a face-off, however, didn’t get the puck down the ice.

Getting into the third interval with the sport tied, the Lightning had an opportunity to earn a minimum of one level out of this contest. Sadly, that did not occur.

They may look to bounce again after they face Columbus on Friday.