Game 3: Tampa Bay v. Boston - Lightning comes up with an unproductive offence
Tampa Bay Lightning has been one of the most dominating teams with regard to offensive play. It has emerged as the best offensive team in the playoffs, so far, and with the impressive performances that Lightning displayed, it was expected to go all the way. However, this impression shattered when Lightning hosted Boston Bruins in Game 3 on Thursday, May 19th, at the St. Pete Times Arena.
The second game of the series witnessed a slight decrease in form on part of Lightning and their defence was very vulnerable, conceding five goals in the second period.
Although they scored twice during the final period, they lost the game by 6-5 to level the series at 1-1.
Game 3 of the series took place at Lightning’s home ice, St. Pete Times Arena, and it was predicted to be a win for Lightning.
They had already scored 10 goals against Bruins’ goalkeeper and were expected to bag a few more against the goalkeeper, who made his way into the finals by winning the prestigious Vezina Trophy for the best goal keeper.
Tim Thomas, Bruins’ goalie, showed what he was made of in the final period of the second game as he made some brilliant saves.
He carried that form into the third game and was dominating once again with 31 saves in the game to complete a shutout performance and maintain a clean-sheet.
On the other hand, the Bruins’ offence clicked at the right time to score twice in the game and won 2-0 to lead the series by 2-1.
Lightning was by no means the team that showed the courage to attack and come up with strong plays. In fact, they were on the back foot and it seemed that they were short on confidence.
"Offensively, I don't feel that we paid the price", forward, Martin St. Louis, said. "I think we have in the past couple of games. ... We just didn't get the job done".
After 11 goals scored in the second game, both teams were forced to improve their defence. Both, Lightning and Bruins were seen working hard to come up with a strong backline.
Lightning was devastated after they conceded an early goal in the second minute and fell behind on home ice at the expense of David Krejci’s splendid strike.
Lightning had 31 shots-on-goal in the game but these were by no means quality shots that Lightning is known for. There were a few good goal attempts but Thomas was there to stop them and keep Bruins in lead.
(Continued in part 2) . . . . . . .
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