Steven Stamkos shines as Tampa Bay Lightning overcome Anaheim Ducks – NHL Recap
Steven Stamkos’ two goals in the first period set the tone for Tampa Bay Lightning, who capitalised on the advantage and despite slumping slightly in the second period succeeded in getting a victory, 3-2, over Anaheim Ducks in a National Hockey League (NHL)
game on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida.
For Lightning, it was the third straight triumph on home ice with their previous victims being San Jose Sharks (6-5 in overtime) and Washington Capitals (2-1).
These days, Tampa Bay’s management is busy in trading. The players had earlier said that this would not bother them and now the remarks by coach, Guy Boucher, have also implied the same reaction.
The Lightning are ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 60 points after 59 games and the coach is well aware of the reality that the team needs to work even harder to reach the safe zone and qualify for the playoffs.
He said:
"We're aware, but the reality is for us it's keep on pushing, keep on playing and finding ways with the new players who have been brought up and new chemistry. We have to find the ways.”
The coach added:
“We take pride in what we did here tonight; this was the best team in the NHL since Jan. 1. We did this under tough circumstances so it's very positive."
The start to the game was odd, but in favour of Tampa Bay.
Ducks’ defenseman, Cam Fowler, was sent off the rink within the first minute for hooking and the shorthanded Ducks had to pay the price.
Utilising the power-play advantage, Stamkos did not face any difficulty in scoring his 41st goal of the season.
Near the end of the first period at 17:58, Stamkos scored his second goal of the game after hitting a rebound goal.
Just like the first period’s opening suited Tampa Bay, the start to the second period brought respite for Ducks.
Within the first minute of the period, Saku Koivu reduced the deficit to only one goal.
However, Ducks failed to replicate Lightning’s performance as they gave away a goal around a couple of minutes after getting their first goal.
At 2:40, Stamkos provided an assist to Teddy Purcell, who took Tampa Bay’s score to three goals.
At 18:38, however, Bobby Ryan scored for Ducks and once again reduced the lead to just one goal.
The Lightning were still leading and a thrilling encounter was expected in the final period, but both the goaltenders played their part and no scoring move was made in the period.
After failing to secure two points for the team, Ryan said:
"It's tough. I think we threw everything we had at them late and couldn't find a way to beat their goalie. You get behind the eight ball early and it's tough to claw back, especially this time of year."
Ducks are placed at 13th spot in the Western Conference with 60 points after 60 games. They will take on Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, while Lightning will face Winnipeg Jets on the same day.
Tags: