Montreal Canadiens fall to Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 -NHL Update
Tampa Bay has been working extra hard these past few weeks in order to continue winning stay in contention for a potential playoff spot as Lightning downed Montreal Canadiens, 2-1, Tuesday night, February 28, 2012, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Florida.
Having made a number of trades prior to the National Hockey League (NHL) trade deadline, Tampa Bay has been devising strategies to incorporate various new players and recalls from their minor league affiliates in the American Hockey League (AHL).
"It's been a challenge," Stamkos said. "There's a lot of adversity we've had to overcome this last stretch."
Adam Hall, a 31-year-old right winger, showed some intensity as he picked up just his second goal of the regular season, contributing to the team in his own special way.
"You never know when it's going to come," said Hall. "Whether the points show it or not, you always find some way whether you're scoring goals or killing penalties or (winning) face-offs."
Steven Stamkos got the first of the night nearly midway through the first for his 44th of the hockey year while it was David Desharnais who levelled the match on a breakaway with less than four minutes remaining in the period.
Mathieu Garon, the Tampa Bay goalie, also played a major role in the win for Lightning as he blocked 23 of 24 shots on his net.
"Their goaltender was really good," Montreal coach, Randy Cunneyworth, said. "We had some opportunities but he bailed them out. It was a good effort on Garon's part."
Hall gave Tampa Bay the game-winner and something to hold on to entering the second period at 28 seconds in.
As Tampa Bay is struggling to grab any playoff spot as they sit at number 11 in the Eastern Conference with 64 points now, Montreal is not having it any easier as well.
The Canadiens have fallen to the lowest point in the league to be ranked at number three from the bottom, above only Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers.
Tampa Bay is on a two-game winning streak and hope to extend it when they host New York Rangers on Friday while Montreal, despite all hope lost for the playoffs, plan to continue fighting as they return home to face-off against Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
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