Although they finished strongly, the Lightning didn't begin the game particularly well. They allowed the first six shots and yielded a power play goal to Seth Jones at 4:50. Soon after, the Lightning were shorthanded a second time and the 'Hawks had an opportunity to extend the lead. Instead, the Lightning killed off the penalty without allowing a shot.
The Lightning's best line in the first period was the unit of Nick Paul, Ross Colton, and Pat Maroon. The three players consistently spent time in the offensive zone. One of their shifts yielded the tying goal. From the front of the net, Maroon tipped in Victor Hedman's point shot at 11:26.
Thanks to another successful kill for the Lightning near the end of the frame, they got out of the period in a 1-1 tie. Then, over the final 40 minutes, they dictated the majority of the action.
During the second period, the Lightning had several excellent opportunities to break the tie. In the first eight minutes of the stanza, they hit three goal posts. Alex Stalock made 13 second-period saves, several of which were high-quality stops. But the Lightning kept applying pressure and finally got rewarded in the final frame. From the top of the crease, Alex Killorn slammed home a rebound of his own initial shot at 7:11. Minutes later, during a Lightning power play, Brandon Hagel swept in a Brayden Point centering pass, extending the lead to 3-1 at 10:14.
The Blackhawks had one final chance to cut into the deficit when they received their fifth and final power play of the night. They pulled Stalock for a six-on-four advantage, but yielded an empty-netter to Nick Paul.
The Lightning effectively changed the game's narrative following the opening period. They decisively outshot and out chanced Chicago in the final 40 minutes. That helped them kick off the road trip with a win.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Brandon Hagel - Lightning. Goal and assist.
2. Pat Maroon - Lightning. Goal.
3. Victor Hedman - Lightning. Two assists.
