Mishkin's Extra Shift: Bruins 5, Lightning 3

The first two periods were mirror images of each other. Except on the scoreboard. The Lightning dominated play during the first, but came out of it in a 1-1 tie. The Bruins thoroughly controlled the second period and outscored the Lightning, 3-0. And while the Lightning improved their play in the third, they were unable to rally from a multi-goal deficit.

As assistant coach Rob Zettler told Gabby Shirley during a first intermission interview, the opening frame might have been the Lightning's best period of the season. The Lightning played with pace and kept the Bruins back on their heels. The Lightning successfully generated plenty of scoring chances as well. Nick Paul scored from the slot at 8:57, but Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark stopped every other first period shot he faced. And thanks to David Krecji's goal off the rush at 15:36, the Bruins got out of the first period in a 1-1 tie.
In the second, Boston turned the tables on the Lightning. The Bruins were the ones dictating play; they owned nearly all of the possession and generated numerous scoring opportunities. Boston converted on an early second period power play chance, when Nick Foligno finished a rebound in front. On the next shift, Charlie Coyle slammed home a puck in the crease. The net was dislodged as the goal was scored, but video replay showed that the peg was still in the ice when the puck crossed the line. The Bruins added a fourth goal when Jake DeBrusk's shot from the slot was blocked, but the puck fluttered forward to Brad Marchand, who was open in front. He roofed the puck into the top of the net. On the play, Patrice Bergeron picked up his 1,000th career point.
The deficit became 5-1 at 3:51 of the third when David Pastrnak converted a cross ice feed from DeBrusk into an open side of the net during another Boston power play. But the Lightning pushed back, getting a goal from Rudy Balcers on the next shift and receiving another goal from Paul during a power play. Down by two with just under 10 minutes left, the Lightning pressed, but could get no closer.
Each team had a rough period in this game. But the Lightning, when they were rolling in the first, were unable to capitalize as efficiently as the Bruins did in their strong second period.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
1. Linus Ullmark - Bruins. 32 saves.
2. Nick Paul - Lightning. Two goals.
3. Patrice Bergeron - Bruins. Assist. 1,000th career point.