The Tampa Bay Lightning secured their third victory in a row on Monday night, defeating the New York Rangers 3-2 at Madison Square Garden. The Bolts beat the Rangers for the first time this season and conclude their three-game season series going 1-1-1.
Tampa Bay has now picked up points in seven of their last eight games and 14 of their last 16. They now find themselves one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
On Point
In a game where the Lightning struggled to produce many offensive opportunities, Brayden Point found himself having the best game of his rookie season. Point recorded the first multi-goal game of his career, netting two key goals to secure a Tampa Bay victory.
His first goal came in the opening period shortly after the Rangers took a 1-0 lead. His equalizer would eliminate the only lead New York would have in the contest. Point's second goal of the night came in the final period and would wind up being the game winner.
Ironically enough, Point celebrated his 21st birthday last night. Happy Birthday to him!
Budaj Gets His First
Peter Budaj picked up his first victory as a member of the Lightning last night against the Rangers. He stopped 26 of 28 and recorded his 28th win of the season (27 with the Kings). Budaj is currently ranked ninth in the NHL for wins.
Just Keep on Ticking
The best way to describe this Tampa Bay roster lately is depleted. They are without Tyler Johnson, Cedric Paquette, Ryan Callahan, and Steven Stamkos due to injury. In addition, they traded away Ben Bishop, Brian Boyle, and Valtteri Filppula. Still, this team continues to find a way to win and could jump ahead of the Maple Leafs tonight for the second wild-card spot.
I would not have predicted this two months ago but the Lightning are going to be playing meaningful hockey at least until the 82nd of the regular season.
On Tap
The Lightning will take on the Senators in Ottawa tonight. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.