Specifically, the Lightning won this game in the first 30 minutes (and one second), when they built a 6-1 lead. It was a quite a period and a half for the Lightning, who dominated every aspect of the game. Their team defense was tight, particularly against Colorado's dynamic line of Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen. (MacKinnon did score Colorado's lone goal, but that came against flow of play in the first period on an isolated chance off the rush.) The Lightning's puck management was crisp, so they limited turnovers. Their forecheck was ferocious and kept the Avs pinned back in the defensive zone. Their playmaking was dazzling, as they executed a handful of passing plays that led to goals. And through all that time, the Lightning's work ethic was extremely high - their hunger and relentlessness in winning pucks overwhelmed the Avs.
Up 6-1 with still 30 minutes remaining in the game, the Lightning didn't quite maintain the same off-the-charts level that they displayed in the opening 30 minutes. The Avs did have more puck possession and shots in the second half of the contest. There were a few Colorado scoring chances, too. But as a whole, the Lightning managed those final 30 minutes well, adding a seventh goal during an early third period power play.
This was an outstanding team win, one of the Lightning's most complete performances of the season.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
1. Steven Stamkos - Lightning. Two goals and two assists.
2. Ondrej Palat - Lightning. Two goals.
3. Cedric Paquette - Lightning.
