The struggles for the Lightning preceded that damaging segment. Even prior to Pittsburgh's onslaught, the Penguins generated plenty of second period high-danger chances. They finished with 19 shots in the frame.
But it was in those final five minutes that the Pens repeatedly cashed in on their opportunities. The Lightning allowed Penguins players to get open looks, often from right in front of the net. The last of those second period goals came from the blue line, but even on that tally, Brian Elliott was screened and didn't see the shot.
The Penguins recorded six goals in the period, the most the Lightning have yielded in a period this year (the previous high had been four). Pittsburgh's one earlier second period goal came on an Evgeni Malkin breakaway - he exited the penalty box as the Lightning lost a puck battle in the offensive zone. After receiving a pass from Josh Archibald, Malkin had a clean breakaway from the neutral zone.
The Lightning did score three goals themselves, including Nikita Kucherov's first period tally. That was his 700th career point. The Lightning took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. So their problems in this game were tied to their subpar defensive play, not their offensive attack. But those defensive issues were costly. They allowed prime scoring chances. And they paid for it.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Evgeni Malkin - Penguins. Goal and assist.
2. Marcus Pettersson - Penguins. Two assists.
3. Teddy Blueger - Penguins. Goal.
