Tampa Bay Lightning Defeat Arizona Coyotes

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Arizona Coyotes 7-3 .

The 1^st period belonged to the Lightning. The Coyotes had trouble sustaining offensive zone pressure. They also played very sloppily in neutral ice. A turnover in the defensive zone by Korpikoski led to Tampa’s first goal. Another defensive breakdown led to Tampa’s second goal shortly after. The Coyotes defense was too concerned with Steven Stamkos and Filppula took advantage as he put the puck in the net unguarded. The period would end 2-0. Tampa also outshot Arizona 12-3 in the 1^st.

The 2^nd period started off great with a very solid shift by the Coyotes. It would be short lived however as a turnover on the blue line would lead to Tampa’s 3^rd goal of the game. The Coyotes would catch a few breaks as Stamkos hit the crossbar and a goal was waived off for Tampa. Tampa thought they had their 4^th goal on a puck that squeaked through Mike Smith. The officials reviewed the goal but ruled that the play was dead before the puck crossed the goal line and it was no goal. The Coyotes would get on the board late in the period. Shane Doan put a rebound in the net off of a face off for his first goal of the season. The goal created some momentum for Arizona but again, it would be short lived. Oliver Ekman-Larsson would turn the puck over right in front of Mike Smith and Dan Boyle would bury it for Tampa’s 4^th goal. Shortly after Tampa’s goal, the Coyotes would answer. Martin Erat would bank a shot in off of Ben Bishop from behind the net. The 2^nd period would end 4-2 with Tampa still in the lead.

The 3^rd period started great for the Coyotes. They were consistently sustaining offensive zone pressure and getting shots to the net. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t last very long. Kucherov would pick up a hat trick making it 5-2. Shortly after that, on yet another defensive zone breakdown, Boyle would score again for his 2^nd of the game making it 6-2. Mike Smith got pulled for Dubnyk after the sixth goal. BJ Crombeen would cut into the lead by scoring one against his old team. It wouldn’t matter though, Tampa’s Carle would add another goal for good measure. The game would mercifully end 7-3.

Game Notes:

• Vermette picked up his 400^th NHL point on an assist.
• Martin Hanzal returned to the lineup.
• Coyotes gave up their first power play goal on the road. Killed 10/11.
• Coyotes did not get a power play all game.

Goals:

Coyotes:

• Doan (1)
• Erat (3)
• Crombeen (1)

Lightning:

• Kucherov (4)
• Filppula (2)
• Boyle (3)
• Carle(1)

Three Stars:

1. Kucherov – TB
2. Johnson – TB
3. Boyle- TB