Alex Killorn Photo by Alexis Boucher
It was difficult to know what to expect out of the Tampa Bay Lightning headed into last night’s game against the New Jersey Devils. The first game under the tutelage of a new head coach and Andrej Sustr making his NHL debut on the blue line. It may be late in the season, but a new era was dawning for the hockey club.
The teams scored 5 goals in about 8 minutes in the second period. Three for New Jersey, two for the Lightning. Steven Stamkos recoreded his 24th and 25th goals of the season. Nate Thompson notched his 7th of the year in the second as well.
Alex Killorn brought the drama when he scored with 15 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime. Teddy Purcell and Victor Hedman scored in the shootout, Mathieu Garon stopped the two Devs he faced, and that’s all she wrote. It will be interesting to see what the team brings to the table for Tuesday’s game after more practice time with Jon Cooper.
A few other things of note took place in Friday’s game. Radko Gudas was officially unleashed and had his first NHL fight:
Nate Thompson has also been suspended for an illegal check to the head of Matt D’Agostini. There was no call on the play and no injury. The slow motion replay pretty much seals the deal, but it’s tough to stomach when other hits to the head this season have gone unpunished.
The NHL’s video can be seen here:
