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Game 46 Recap: Bolts Fall to Ducks in Overtime |
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The Tampa Bay Lightning could not quite get the job done last night at The Honda Center as they fell to the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in overtime. The Bolts lost to Anaheim after beating them on four straight occasions and have still not lost to the Ducks in regulation since December 9, 2006.
Overall, it was not a bad game for Tampa Bay against the Pacific Division leaders in the second game of a back-to-back. The Lightning not only outshot the Ducks 28-21, but they were also able to match their physicality in most situations. We have now seen the Bolts' ability to do this two nights in a row against bigger, more physical opponents.
Unfortunately for every strong outing by the Lightning, there are always one or two costly mistakes or bizarre plays that lead to goals for the opposition. Things were no different on Tuesday night.
Ryan Getzlaf's goal in the second period was simply the result of a poor turnover in the Lightning's end. Yes, Ben Bishop was clearly out of position but to his defense, he was under the assumption the puck had been cleared. It is disappointing for a team to play so well and then fall victims to costly bonehead plays.
In reality, last night's loss can still be viewed as a positive for a team in desperate need of points. The Lightning have now acquired three of a possible four points so far on this lengthy road trip. The team finds themselves only three points behind the third place Maple Leafs and four points behind the second-place Bruins in the Atlantic Division.
Although the Lightning's season has appeared doomed more times than once already, they are still very much in the race for a playoff spot. Tampa could very well find themselves in a playoff position if they can continue to produce points on their lengthy road trip.
The Bolts will look to extend their point streak as they take on last year's Western Conference Champions, the San Jose Sharks, on Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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