Depleted rosters still provide an always entertaining rivalry showdown

The season's first battle of Florida saw both teams dealing with depleted rosters but in the end the Tampa Bay Lightning came out on top with a much-needed win. Lightning was without Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, Dominic James, and Nick Paul severely hindering the roster. Depth players and rookies understood the assignment tonight while Andrei Vasilevskiy bounced back to his normal self in an always eventful match-up with the Florida Panthers.

It only took a few minutes into the game for the physicality to begin. Players were only separated, and no penalties were given. Afterwards, play on the ice was tamer with a few chances to be had in a scoreless affair. With 11:05 left in the period the first power play was given to the Lightning with Sam Bennett sent off for elbowing Nikita Kucherov. While the Lightning did not take kindly to the elbow, they remained disciplined enough to avoid being given a penalty which is crucial in a rivalry game. No surprise the best scoring opportunity came on the power play, but the Bolts came up empty handed as the penalty expired.

Tampa strikes first

Thankfully, the power play unit did not look flat on the man advantage and kept possession of the puck for nearly the entire time. Possession was so well that there was no need to send in a second unit out. Later on, the first goal of the game was scored by Tampa Bay for the first time in three games. Emil Lilleberg made no mistake with the pass from Nikita Kucherov and fired it past Sergei Bobrovsky to give the Lightning a 1-0 lead. Bolts continued the pressure on offense forcing Bobrovsky to make tougher saves. Period would end with the score remaining 1-0 but not before a scrum after the whistle which should have been expected. For having a depleted roster, the Lightning played well and so far, no penalties to be called against them.

Normally this match-up ends up being a bloodbath but a couple of factors change that this time around for now. Both teams are having unexpected starts to the season and are dealing with depleted rosters with Tampa having more of their starters out. Panthers received their first power play three minutes into the period with Charle-Edouard D'Astous booked for Cross-checking. Penalty was successfully killed off, and the score remained 1-0. Tensions would pick up with Yanni Gourde and Luke Kunin sent off for Cross-checking and roughing.

Florida answers back

As a result, 4-on-4 hockey with just over half the period left with Lightning leading 1-0 and out-shooting the Panthers 14 to 8. Brayden Point nearly ended his dry streak, but luck continued to not be on his side. After the penalties expired Florida went on the power play for a second time with Zemgus Girgensons sent off for charging. Foolish penalties are not ideal especially when you are outplaying the opposing team in the offensive zone. Nevertheless, penalty kill had to go back to work and would not work for long. Brad Marchand was left alone after a scramble on the face-off and scored with ease to tie the game on the power play.

Yet another penalty was called on the Lightning this time Lilleberg for rouging. Lightning could not afford to playing undisciplined as it gave the Panthers their best chance to score which they captivated on. This time Tampa kills off the penalty keeping the score tied in the later stage of the period. Again, play would calm down and a more physical second period came to an end. Panthers for sure flipped the momentum and Tampa Bay has to play smarter if they want to come out with the win.

Rookie's time to shine

To begin, Lightning went right on the power play with Aaron Ekblad called for tripping. This ended up being an easy penalty kill for the Panthers keeping the game tied early in the period. Just when it seemed the Panthers were gaining traction in comes Jack Finley to silence the crowd and regain the lead for the Bolts. Finley took advantage of a perfect pass to not only give Tampa the lead but also score his first career goal. Next, J.J. Moeser was hooked and despite retaliating the only call was on the Panthers. He was lucky not to be called for a penalty there and Tampa Bay hoped to extend their lead.

Stacks of penalties with no love lost

Yet another unsuccessful power play keeping the score 2-1 Lightning with 12 to go in the period. Penalties continued to pile up with this one on Erik Cernak for High-sticking. This ended up being a double minor and no doubt would be the most crucial penalty kill of the game. With a little help from Vasy the Bolts successfully killed off the double minor and again the bad blood between the teams carried on. Gourde and Eetu Luostarinen were sent off for roughing and for the second time tonight it would be 4-on-4. In addition, Ekblad and D'Astous were also sent off for roughing.

Empty net delight

Surprisingly, everyone is used to the penalty boxes being fuller than they were now when these teams play each other. As if it could not get crazier out there Ekblad is sent off for roughing sending the Lightning on the power play. Three minutes left and the Panthers pull Bobrovsky to get the extra attacker on. Eventhough the Lightning had troubles clearing the zone they would eventually get an empty net goal from Girgensons. Even with a depleted roster Tampa Bay walks out with a 3-1 victory with Finley's first being the game winner.

Three stars of the game

1st star: Jack Finley - 1st career goal

2nd star: Andrei Vasilevskiy - Saved 22 of 23 shots faced

3rd star: Yanni Gourde - 1 assist, 3 blocks, and 3 hits

Up next

Tampa will look to keep the wins coming as they return home tomorrow to welcome the Vancouver Canucks. Hopefully the roster will look a little healthier but regardless there were a lot of positives to take away from tonight's victory and build off of.