This was a very tightly contested game with both teams staying disciplined for most of the game. Both sides stayed neck in neck until the Bolts encounter an unfortunate situation and Ryan Miller was on lockdown for the rest of the game. The Ducks took advantage of the opportunities given to them while the Bolts could just not find the back of the net. It was a big win for the Duck’s as they won the first of their back to back. Let’s take a look to see how we got here period by period.

First Period

Both teams got off to a quick start this one as they grabbed a few shots on goal in the early minutes. It wouldn’t take long until the first penalty was handed out as Josh Manson was called for interference. The Bolts picked up a few chances but Miller and the Ducks turned them all away. Both teams continued to play a tightly contested game as time went on with both teams going back and forth looking for that first goal. The Bolts then got a little bit of a surge going as they dominated in offensive zone time for the next few minutes. Miller and the Ducks were able to keep the Bolts off the scoreboard though keeping this game tied at 0. Domingue made sure he wasn’t forgotten either though as when the ducks came in with a quick shot he turned them away with ease. The ducks then got an offensive surge of their own but Domingue was ready for it turning the shots away and keeping the game tied. Time began to wind down as both teams continued to go back and forth while both netminders stopped everything that was thrown at them. Both teams were also able to stay disciplined until the very last minute when Kuch as called for a hook with just 9 seconds to go in the first. The Ducks would get a quick shot off but would not be able to score. With 1:50 still remaining on the penalty the Ducks would get to start the second on the power play.

Goals: 0-0

Shots: 10-9 Tampa Bay

Second Period

The Ducks started things off by quickly getting a few shots on goal on the power play but the Bolts PK stood strong and killed the rest of the penalty off. The Bolts then put on another surge looking to break the tie as they got two quality chances but Stamkos would just ring the crossbar keeping the score still tied at 0. The Bolts did everything they could to try and get on the board with a beautiful play but Miller made a better save preventing a Lightning goal. The Ducks would be the first to strike though as Josh Manson rifled one past Domingue for a 1-0 lead. The Bolts then quickly pushed back but Miller once again stood tall keeping the Bolts from tying this game. The Bolts then got another huge chance as Stamkos got the puck after a Ducks defender broke his stick. On the Ending 2 on 1 Stamkos took the shot but was denied by Miller as he looked to be unstoppable. The Bolts kept pushing though and would finally be rewarded. Kucherov grabbed the puck behind the net and put it right in front where Point put it home to tie this game! Time then winded down and we would have to head to the final 20 to decide this one.

Goals: 1-1

Shots: 21-15 Tampa Bay

Third Period

Both teams got off to a good start but it was the Ducks who then got a few offensive chances early in the third. Kesler walked right through the Bolts defense and fired one just wide of the net. The Bolts then ran into some unlucky events and things did go their way. Kuch would then be called for a hook after he got his stick near a Ducks forward hands and then lost his balance making the play look a lot worse than it was. The Ducks made sure to take advantage as Aber rifled one off the boards behind the net that then bounced back where Ritchie tapped it home for a 2-1 Ducks lead. The Ducks kept on running with their luck as not long after Carter Rowney put one past Domingue who lost his balance giving the Ducks a 2 goal lead. The Bolts then got a huge opportunity to make a comeback as Brandon Montour was called for hooking. The Bolts got a few shots but would get an even bigger chance when Brian Gibbons was called for a high stick. The Bolts would not capitalize on the 5 on 3 but would look to on the rest of the second power play. Miller was stone cold though and stopped every shot keeping the Bolts down by 2. Brayden Point then zipped into the zone and took a quick shot on net but was lightly hooked by Dotchin (If Kucherov’s hook was called this should have too) causing him to slip and collide with Miller. Miller was shaken up on the play and a few fights broke out but things would be calmed down. However, for some reason Point would be called for interference despite not having a chance to stop as he was guided into the net by Dotchin. Non the less the Ducks would head on the power play looking to extend their lead. the Bolts would successfully kill it off The Bolts would then get one last chance as Getzlaf was called for high sticking and the Bolts would pull Domingue for the extra attacker. The Bolts threw everything they had at Miller but he stood tall and would make sure the Bolts did not come back to tie this game as time expired. The Bolts would fall to the Ducks by a score of 3-1.

Goals: 3-1 Anaheim

Shots: 35-22 Tampa Bay

3 Stars

1. Ryan Miller (1GA, 34SV)
2. Nick Ritchie (1G,1A)
3. Brayden Point (1G)

Up Next and Final Strike

Both teams played a good game and were able to stay disciplined for the most part. The Bolts played well overall as they took shot after shot after shot but just could not find the back of the net. Credit, where credit is due Ryan Miller, played an excellent game and kept the Ducks in this one as the Bolts were knocking on the door. The Bolts PK played pretty well except for the one unlucky goal, but the power play will need to improve with these close games and not getting many chances. None the less this was not a “bad” loss and I fully expect the Bolts to bounce back.

The Bolts will look to bounce back as they take on the red-hot Buffalo Sabers Thursday, November 29th at 7:30 PM at Amalie Arena.