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Lightning Assistant Coach Todd Richards was our pregame guest on Lightning Radio. Richards runs the power play and it had not produced a goal in the three previous games. So Richards stated that he was looking for the power play to revert to some of the good habits that brought it so much success throughout most of the first half of the season. He added that a good power play opportunity doesn't necessarily have to result in a goal - a crisp two-minutes that yields several chances can result in momentum once the power play expires.

That formula worked very well for the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets erased a 1-0 Lightning lead in the second period when they scored on a five-on-three power play. They took the lead with a goal that came eight seconds after another power play ended. Then in the third period, a dynamic power play chance provided the Jets with momentum. Winnipeg controlled play for the next several minutes and eventually added a third goal.
On the other side, the Lightning had four power play chances of their own. Unlike the Jets, however, they didn't score any power play goals. Nor did they gain much momentum from their power play opportunities.
So special teams played an important role in the outcome. So did the Jets' commitment to team defense. In the final two periods, the Jets didn't allow the Lightning much time and space to make plays. During the first period, the Lightning did have some good looks - Brayden Point had a breakaway and Matthew Peca finished an in-alone chance to give the Lightning a 1-0 lead. But it was a different story in the second and third. After Patrik Laine's five-on-three goal early in the second, the Lightning had a difficult time generating any sustained pressure for the rest of the period. In the first half of the third period, they did have more puck possession, but couldn't translate that puck possession into dangerous looks. Then, the aforementioned Winnipeg power play with nine minutes left in the third period turned momentum back to the Jets.
Next up is a visit to Calgary, as the Lightning look to avenge a 5-1 home loss to the Flames earlier this month.
Lightning Radio Big Moment of the Game:
Laine's five-on-three power play goal.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game: