The Tampa Bay Lightning failed to gain any ground in the push for a playoff spot as the fell to the Winnipeg Jets 6-4 in last night's contest.
It was the first game in the Lightning's current home stand where they failed to acquire a point. Tampa is now 2-1-1 in their recent stint of games at home with one more to play on Thursday against the Nashville Predators.
Coming into last night's contest, Tampa Bay had won two in a row and five of their last six against the Jets. They are now 1-4-0 against Central Division opponents and 2-7-1 against the Western Conference.
The first period of last night's contest was bizarre, to say the least. There was very little time where there was not a power play or 4-on-4 situation taking place. The Lightning committed four penalties in the first twenty minutes while the Jets recorded three. With seven penalties in the first period, it was clear that the refs would be calling everything.
Tampa Bay appeared to be in control of the game in regards to shots. Unfortunately, shots do not always equal goals. The Jets scored on their first shot of the game and would take a 1-0 into the first intermission.
The second period started off on the right foot for the Bolts. Matthew Peca recorded the first goal of his four-game NHL career to tie the game up at one. However, any momentum Tampa gained with that goal was quickly taken away when Nikolaj Ehlers scored on a penalty shot less than a minute after the Lightning goal. Jacob Trouba would make it 3-1 49 seconds after that.
Winnipeg would exit the second period up 4-1 and with the victory essentially in their pockets already. The Lightning would get the game close on a few occasions but could never fully get back into it. Tampa must still be applauded for its resiliency and continued fight to get the game even again.
Unfortunately for Tampa, their inability to leave the game with no points resulted in the Toronto passing them in the standings. Both teams have 42 points but the Maple Leafs now hold fourth place in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning are still two points behind Boston and Ottawa and are three points away from the second wild card spot currently held by Philadelphia.
The Lightning will look to increase their number in the win column when they play the fifth and final game of their longest homestand on Thursday night against the Nashville Predators.
Quick Notes
Nikita Kucherov scored two power-play goals in the third period. It was the first time Kucherov has scored a goal since December 3rd against the Washington Capitals. He now has two goals and six assists over his last four games.
Adam Erne, a second round pick in 2013, made his NHL debut last night for the Lightning. He recorded four hits in his 12:03 on the ice.
Ryan Callahan returned to the lineup after missing 15 games with a lower-body injury. He played 11:20, dished out five hits and recorded two shots.