Mishkin's Extra Shift: Red Wings 1, Lightning 0 - SO

While it is disappointing that the Lightning weren't able to pick up the second point from this game, there were a lot of positives that they can take out of it. They produced another strong defensive performance, holding the Red Wings to just 15 shots on goal through 65 minutes and very few scoring chances. As the game progressed and the Lightning weren't able to score on Thomas Greiss, they didn't allow frustration to affect their play - in other words, they didn't sacrifice defense for offense. And while they weren't able to score a goal during regulation and overtime, they generated several Grade-A scoring chances.

As they did against Dallas on Thursday, the Lightning dominated puck possession during the first and third periods. In those two periods, the Lightning outshot Detroit by a combined total of 25-8. The second period was more evenly-played. Still, they held their defensive structure and didn't allow the Red Wings to translate possession time into shots and scoring chances. The Lightning also did a terrific job on the penalty kill, erasing all three Detroit power play opportunities and holding the Red Wings to one total shot during those six minutes.
Greiss played very well in net for Detroit, turning aside the scoring chances that he faced. He made several stops on close-range shots. Those included first period saves on Alex Barré-Boulet and Brayden Point and third period stops on Alex Killorn and Ondrej Palat. The Lightning also squandered some other chances. They couldn't capitalize on multiple odd-man rushes, enduring near-misses from Palat and Point. They also failed to cash in on a lengthy five-on-three power play during the third period - Greiss made two excellent saves during that sequence and there was a third attempt that hit the crossbar.
But as a whole, this was another good outing for the Lightning as they gear up for the start of the playoffs. They'll look to play similarly well when the teams wrap up the back-to-back on Sunday afternoon.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Bobby "The Chief" Taylor):
1. Thomas Greiss - Red Wings. 33 saves.
2. Brayden Point - Lightning.
3. Sam Gagner - Red Wings. SO winner.