Point the way to a win
Putting the puck on Brayden Point’s stick in front of the net with the game on the line is a scoring chance anyone on the Lightning bench would gladly take. Entering the final minute of Tuesday night’s game against Carolina, Tampa Bay had blown a one-goal, third-period lead and spent much of the previous 12 minutes trying to catch its breath while hemmed in their own end by a Hurricanes team providing a ton of pressure. The Lightning had experienced bad breaks during their winless three-game trip to California, with only three goals scored.
When Point received the puck in the final minute and scored a magical game-winning play, it turned the Lightning’s fortunes around. His goal with 52 seconds left propelled the team to a 3-2 win, snapping their season-high, four-game losing streak.
Owning the front of the net
While Point’s goal will be remembered, the Lightning also won the game in front of the net in other ways. Their first two goals were scored on rebounds, with Darren Raddysh becoming the quickest Lightning defenseman to 50 career points with two primary assists. Brandon Hagel and Nick Paul also contributed, giving the Lightning a lead and revitalizing their power play.
Digging deep
The Lightning faced challenges, with heavy legs and sustained zone pressure from the Hurricanes. However, they managed to survive and secure the win. Coach Jon Cooper commended the team for their resilience and ability to stick with it despite previous setbacks.
In conclusion, Brayden Point’s clutch goal and the team’s gritty performance led to a crucial victory for the Lightning, breaking their losing streak and showcasing their determination in the face of adversity.
FAQs
1. Who scored the game-winning goal for the Lightning against Carolina?
Brayden Point scored the game-winning goal in the final minute of the third period.
2. How did the Lightning’s top line perform in the game?
The Lightning’s top line struggled, with Point, Kucherov, and Guentzel being held scoreless at 5-on-5.
3. What challenges did the Lightning face in the game?
The Lightning had to deal with heavy legs and sustained pressure from the Hurricanes but managed to come out on top.
