For the second straight night, special teams proved to be the difference, but this time the Lightning won the battle.
For the second straight night, special teams proved to be the difference, but this time the Lightning won the battle.
The Lightning came to Sunrise ready to make a statement on Monday. After Sunday night’s 4-2 loss to their cross-state rival, the Lightning knew they had more.
Nikita Kucherov scored the opening goal, and from there momentum began to build. Kucherov entered Monday's game with 49 points, tied for the fourth most in the league. The Lightning quickly built a three-goal lead just 17 minutes into the game, with contributions from Mitchell Chaffee and Jake Guentzel.
Kucherov's night ended early after receiving a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for a hit on Florida Panthers' forward, Matthew Tkachuk with three minutes left in the first period. Kucherov appeard to be going for the puck inside the Lightning zone, when he crashed into Tkachuk with the right side of his body.
Tensions were high to start the second period, with both teams continuing to push. Tkachuk was able to return to the ice 2:19 into the second period. From that moment forward, there was plenty of chaos to go around.
For the second straight night, special teams proved to be the difference, but this time the Lightning won the battle. Their penalty kill shut down all four Florida power plays, including a lengthy 5-on-3.
This matchup was physical right up to the end, with both the teams combining for 63 minutes in penalties. Still, the Lightning never cracked.
“You look back at this game, especially if we make that push to the playoffs, I think this is the game you can look back at,” said Lightning forward Brandon Hagel. “Also this builds momentum going forward. I think everyone grew as a player & everyone can tap the guy beside him & trust him after a game like this"
Jonas Johansson stood tall for the entirety of the night, stopping all 36 shots and picking up the fourth shutout of his career.
“These are two teams that have battled it out. If you include playoffs, regular season and preseason, we've played them more, probably double than any other team we've played,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper.
“The last five Stanley Cups have included these two teams, anytime you get them together, it's pretty entertaining and this was just another one tonight.”
The Lightning will be back in action on Saturday (Dec. 28) against the New York Rangers. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.