It was clearly not that for the Lightning, especially after they fell behind by two goals early in the second period. The first period, on the other hand, wasn't lopsided. The Oilers' struggling power play (ranked last in the league entering the game) came to life, scoring two goals. But during five-on-five play, the Lightning had a slight edge. They forechecked well and were able to pin the Oilers back in the defensive zone on several shifts. However, the Oilers defended well without the puck - something they did well throughout the night - and they blocked 10 of the Lightning's first period shot attempts.
Early in the second, the game got away from the Lightning. They failed to score on a power play chance of their own, one that would have tied the game. Then, shortly after the penalty ended, Connor McDavid netted a highlight-reel goal. He accelerated down the left wing and looked as though he would skate behind the net. Instead, from a nearly impossible angle, he chipped the puck over Andrei Vasilevskiy's right shoulder. His goal made it 3-1. On the next shift, Cam Talbot made a point-blank save on Nikita Kucherov and preserved the two-goal lead.
The Oilers took off after that, riding a wave of momentum that carried them through the end of the second. The Lightning struggled in multiple facets of their game and the Oilers dictated play. Before the period ended, Iiro Pakarinen converted off a two-on-one to extend the lead to 4-1.
Early in the third, the Bolts got back within 4-2 when Yanni Gourde put in his own rebound. But they couldn't build on that goal. Instead, McDavid completed his hat trick with a breakaway tally to make it 5-2. Later, he would earn credit for a fourth goal when te puck went into the net off Chris Kunitz's skate.
Playing the final game of eight straight on the road against a motivated opponent, the Lightning were not the crisper team. But they finished the long road stretch with a record of 5-3.
Lightning Radio Big Moment of the Game:
McDavid's second goal, making the score 3-1.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Connor McDavid - Oilers. Career-best four goals. Assist.
2. Leon Draisaitl - Oilers. Goal and two assists.
3. Ryan Strome - Oilers. Two assists.
