Mishkin's Extra Shift: Lightning 5, Devils 2

As they did in the first two games in the homestand, the Lightning again jumped out to a big, early lead and made it stand up. Similar to Friday's contest against Chicago, the Lightning netted four first period goals and took a 4-1 lead into the locker room after 20 minutes. But the two periods weren't identical. Against the 'Hawks, the Lightning dominated puck possession in the opening frame, posted 19 shots and applied relentless pressure. In terms of possession time, this first period was more evenly played. The Lightning outshot the Devils, 11-10, while the Devils actually had an edge in shot attempts, 20-14. But what was similar between the two first periods (besides the score) was the Lightning's ability to execute high-skill plays and finish Grade-A scoring chances. The line of Brayden Point, Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov continues to sizzle - they teamed up on a brilliant passing sequence that resulted in Johnson's goal. Kucherov also set up Point during a first period power play for a goal from the slot. Two other lines also contributed first period goals - Mathieu Joseph's speed on the forecheck forced a turnover from New Jersey goalie Cory Schneider and Alex Killorn banked a shot off Schneider as the netminder was scrambling back into the crease. And the Cedric Paquette line added another goal - Paquette scored from the slot shortly after the Devils had gotten on the board.

The Lightning eventually would enjoy a strong possession segment in this game - that came following their fifth goal, a tally credited to Point after Sami Vatanen accidently shot the puck into his own net. Over the final 11 and a half minutes of the second period, the Lightning attacked the Devils in waves. Schneider made 14 second period stops to keep the deficit at four goals.
The Devils made a push in the third after Jesper Bratt's tally off the rush cut the Lightning lead to 5-2. But Domingue made some timely saves and the Lightning closed out the game over the final few minutes without hitting any speed bumps.
Obviously, it's ideal to play with the lead - and a multi-goal lead is preferable to a one-goal advantage. Still, it can be a challenge to maintain intensity when leading by three or more goals. But the Lightning have managed these situations well during the homestand. In all three contests, the Lightning have built leads of at least three goals in the first 30 minutes and then done a good job of not letting the opposition climb back into contention.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
1. Brayden Point - Lightning. Two goals and assist.
2. Erik Cernak - Lightning.
3. Nikita Kucherov - Lightning. Two assists.