Nightmare beginning hands Tampa Bay only their third loss of the new year

Graphic Credit: MIke Smith

By Robert Hazou | Thunderstruck Sports

A nightmare start turns into a close defeat in a battle between two of the best in the East. In what was Jonas Johansson's 100th game in the NHL, the game turned into one he would like to forget rather than remember. Brayden Point continued to produce after being out for a while, and Nikita Kucherov kept his name appearing on the scoring sheet, but it was not enough to sneak a win in Carolina.

Let the nightmare begin

In the opening minutes Carolina scored first with Nikolaj Ehlers beating Johansson blocker side to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. Nobody was able to catch up to Ehlers and with a perfect release he was able to fire up the home crowd. Soon after, Carolina added to their lead off a turnover by the Lightning. Logan Stankoven capitalized on said turnover to have the Hurricanes up 2-0. This was an inexcusable start for Tampa who now had to dig themselves out of a hole. While it is easy to blame the goaltender for the early goals, the defense also has to help out which was not the case for the first half of the period. On a 2-on-1 chance Taylor Hall scores to extend the lead 3-0. Nothing was going right for the Bolts in what felt like a nightmare in Carolina.

A wakeup call that had to occur

Ryan McDonagh nearly cut the lead to two goals, but he whiffed on the empty net and the score remained 3-0. That was Tampa's best chance to this point, but the nightmare carried on. Later on, Nikita Kucherov had a great scoring opportunity, but Brandon Bussi remained sharp in net keeping the Lightning off the scoring board. Eventually, Tampa would find the back of the net and Brandon Hagel scored his 28^th of the season to cut Carolina's lead 3-1. The saying goes lightning strikes twice and that was indeed the case. Kucherov kept his hot streak burning and makes it a one goal game with his 31^st of the season. The pair of goals were scored under a minute apart with momentum now switching to Tampa Bay. Period ends with a more manageable score of 3-2 Hurricanes.

Tie the game only to give up the lead

With the second period underway the Lightning looked to put the nightmare start behind them and focus on tying the game. Riding on the momentum from the second half of the first period Tampa found a way to comeback and even the score. Dominic James went through the Hurricanes defense and fired the puck past Bussi to make it a 3-3 game. To this point not a single penalty was called in what has been a well-disciplined game. Unfortunately, Carolina would get the lead back with a goal from Seth Jarvis to make it a 4-3 game with 12 minutes left in the period. Yanni Gourde was all alone on the breakaway, but Bussi was able to make the stop along with the rebound opportunity afterwards.

Continuing to stay in the game regardless of the score

Despite being down again the Lightning never seemed out of the game and would keep fighting regardless of what the score was. Numerous chances were generated for Tampa, but puck luck was not with them as the period winded down. For the first time tonight, a penalty was called with Sebastian Aho sent to the box for holding with 6 minutes left in the period. Brayden Point wasted no time to score on the power play shortly after the face-off to tie the game 4-4. Tampa's lethal power play continued to do their job and now the defense has to play sharper to prevent another lead change by Carolina. Next, it was the Hurricanes turn on the power play with Kucherov surrendering a slashing penalty. Lightning killed off the penalty and the period ended with the score tied up 4-4.

Giving up the eventual game-winner

Unlike the past two periods the third period did not see an early goal be scored. A holding call was called on Carolina giving the Bolts their second power play of the game. This time the Hurricanes killed off the penalty keeping the game tied. Once again, another penalty is called with this one against the Lightning giving the Hurricanes their second power play. After a game that saw no penalties called now had numerous power plays emerge with only Tampa Bay scoring a power play goal. Ultimately, Hurricanes would retake the lead on the power play with Aho netting his 21^st of the season with the puck slipping past the post and in.

Last ditch effort falls short

With that goal Carolina regained the momentum and looked to maintain the lead even though the Lightning still had their feet on the gas pedal. With the period winding down it seems that nightmare start to the game along with poor play on the blue line would be the deciding factor. Carolina continued to execute their plays well as that is expected from one of the best defenses in the league. Regardless of what the score is Bussi has been able to make the crucial saves and that has been the difference maker in this tilt. Lightning pulled Johansson with 2:57 left to get the extra attacker on hoping to send the game to overtime. Lightning did a tremendous job protecting the empty net but ran out of time and the Hurricanes survive with a 5-4 victory. Lightning are now 20-2-1 in their last 23 games after tonight's loss and head back home to welcome the Buffalo Sabres for a Saturday night showdown.

Three Stars of the Game

1st Star: Logan Stankoven - 1 goal and 1 assist

2nd Star: Taylor Hall - 1 goal and 1 assist

3rd Star: Seth Jarvis - 1 goal and 1 assist