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The Tampa Bay Lightning saw their winning streak come to an end last night when they traveled to New Jersey and fell to the Devils in a shootout.

Period One

The first period featured a goaltender, Peter Budaj, who was clearly a little rusty. Right from the get-go, it was clear that the Bolts' backup netminder was affected by not getting an opportunity to play in the first six games. Pretty much every goal that Budaj let through, in which there were three, could have been prevented. Unfortunately, they were not which led to the Devils entering the first intermission with a 3-2 lead over the Lightning.

Luckily for Tampa Bay, they were able to get some offense of their own in the first period. The Bolts saw goals from Vladislav Namestnikov and Ondrej Palat, their third goal of the season for both individuals.

Period Two

Great teams find ways to eliminate deficits and regain leads. That is exactly what the Lightning were able to accomplish in the middle period Tuesday night. Nikita Kucherov started things off just over 14 minutes into the period, scoring his eighth goal of the 2017-18 season. Kucherov has now scored in all of the team's games. Captain Steven Stamkos would give the Bolts the lead with less than three minutes left in the second, scoring his second goal of the season.

Period Three

For most of the final period of play, it appeared as if the Lightning were going to skate away with their sixth win of the season. Unfortunately, Drew Stafford would have something to say about that. Stafford found the back of the net for the second time in the game with just under five minutes to go to even things up before the final horn sounded. The game would eventually head to overtime, and then a shootout.

Shootout

It would only take one goal to make the Devils victorious over the Lightning in the shootout. Brayden Point, Kucherov, and Ryan Callahan all missed their opportunities, while Kyle Palmieri cashed in on his opportunity.

After suffering their first overtime loss of the season, Tampa Bay is now 5-1-1 (11 points) and still sit atop the NHL standings.

Up Next

The Lightning will get some much-needed rest Wednesday and then head to Columbus, Ohio to take on the Blue Jackets Thursday night. Puck drop is currently scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.

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