Lightning vs Hawks Postgame Recap

By Jake Ricker

Overview

This game was no disappointment as the Hawks and the Bolts duked it out with back and forth thrilling plays.  It took an intense five minutes of overtime to determine the winner. The Hawks dominated the first but the Bolts battled back in the second and third as the Bolts, who were coming off a 5-3 loss to the Islanders, looked to once again defend their home as the Hawks came to town. Let’s take a look at how this one came to be such a close game period by period.

First Period

The Hawks came out strong in the first.  They were quick to pucks and made crisp passes while they didn’t let the Bolts get anything going. The Hawks were able to get on the scoreboard first as Patrick Kane let one go from the left circle and put in over the glove of Vasy to make it 1-0. The Hawks then put themselves in some trouble after giving a high stick to JT Brown.  JT was hit hard in the face drawing blood resulting in a 4-minute power play. The Bolts weren’t able to get much going in this extended penalty but then were given an even better chance as the Hawks were called for hooking to make it a 5 on 3. The Bolts had better chances the second go around but were still not able to capitalize. The Hawks would get their first power play with 5 minutes to go in the first. Vasy was outstanding early in the penalty kill however, the Bolts took a delay of game penalty to make it a 5 on 3. The Hawks had all day and put the Bolts on edge – they made no mistake as a sprawling Vasy tried to make a stop but it was too late as Patrick Kane once again put it in to make it 2-0. The Bolts would get another power play opportunity late in the first and it would continue over into the second. The Hawks definitely had the better first as they lead 2-0.

Goals: 2-0 Hawks

Shots: 11-13 Hawks

Second Period

The Bolts finished the power play strong but still couldn’t cash in.  But, the momentum carried as Palat put one past Corey Crawford to cut the deficient in half making it 2-1 Hawks. The Bolts had a much stronger second and were playing with propose.  Vasy also looked good early as he made a few more stupendous saves to keep the Hawks at 2. The rest of the seconded was pretty even with a few surges from the Bolts and both teams getting chances on the power play but it remained with the Bolts down 1.

Goals: 2-1 Hawks

Shots: 21-19 Lightning

Third Period

THE BOLTS CAME TO PLAY.  Kris Kunitz quickly got a rebound in front of the net to tie the game at 2. The Bolts dominated the early part of the third.   As play continued, Crawford and Vasy went into a goaltenders duel with both goalies making amazing saves keeping the game tied at 2. The third period was not disappointing as both teams had plenty of opportunities.  Play went back and forth as both teams played hard and had a great game but only one could win. That would have to be decided in overtime.

Goals: 2-2

Shots 34-29 Lightning

Overtime

Hope you had some oxygen in your tank for this one. The Bolts got the first chance as Brayden Point was all alone in front of the net coming off a 2 on 1. The Hawks then quickly broke it back out with a Patrick Kane breakaway but Vasy made a great save to keep the game alive and with just 1:40 left to go in OT the Hawks took a huge penalty for slashing. The Bolts then had a 4 on 3 power play and the Bolts made some great passes including the game winning when the puck ended up with Point and he would not make the same mistake again as he puts it home and the Bolts win it 3-2 in OT.

Goals: 3-2 Lightning

Shots: 38-31 Lightning

3 Stars

1. Kunitz
2. Point
3. Crawford

Up Next

The Bolts will head to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Capitals and look to shut Alex Ovechkin back down on Friday at 5:00 PM.