Mishkin's Extra Shift: Lightning 5, Canucks 2

With this victory, the Lightning improved their record to 8-1 in games after a loss. Here are the key takeaways from their win in Vancouver.

-The Lightning hadn't been happy with their d-zone play in the overtime loss to Winnipeg. They spent a good deal of Monday's practice working on d-zone coverage and executing clean outlets. During the first half of this game, the Lightning continued to struggle with puck management coming out of the defensive zone. Even though the Lightning built a 2-1 lead during this portion of the game, they yielded the puck possession advantage to the Canucks. But after Adam Erne's goal at 8:37 of the second, the Lightning put those issues behind them. Although they did allow some isolated chances in the final period and a half, they were much cleaner in their outlets and crisper in their puck management. This allowed them to control most of the possession. Prior to Erne's goal, the Canucks owned a shot advantage of 24-14. Beginning with Erne's goal, the Lightning outshot the Canucks, 23-14, for the rest of the game. In the third period specifically, (with the Canucks trailing and trying to mount a comeback), they outshot Vancouver, 15-8, and had a 20-12 shot attempt edge. It was during the latter part of the second period that emotions ran high on the Vancouver side (particularly after Danick Martel's hit on Troy Stecher). But the Lightning didn't allow the Canucks to translate their passion into on-ice momentum. The Bolts' performance in the second half of this contest helped them lock down the game and emerge victorious.
-What a night for the line of Cedric Paquette, Martel and Erne. They accounted for two goals - one was Paquette's go-ahead goal in the first period and the other was Erne's momentum-turning tally in the second that ended up being the game-winner. Martel, playing just his second game of the season, earned his first NHL point with a highlight-reel assist on Paquette's goal. That line spent much of the night with the puck in the offensive zone. The three were in the middle of much of the post-whistle physical play in the second period. And Paquette ended the night winning eight of 10 faceoffs, many of which came in the defensive zone. Again, the Lightning's forward depth was on display in this game and proved to be the deciding factor.
-The Canucks were coming off a game in which they scored a season-high three power play goals. They had six power play opportunities tonight, including a five-on-three lasting nearly a minute. But the Lightning killed off all six infractions. Incidentally, Vancouver also had a strong night killing penalties, going four-for-four. The Lightning too had a five-on-three lasting almost a minute, but couldn't score.
-Andrei Vasilevskiy delivered another strong performance. He dealt with Vancouver's more consistent pressure in the first half of the game, then handled some isolated Grade-A chances in the second half. Those situational saves on the isolated looks were some of his best of the night. They included a stop on Jake Virtanen's shorthanded breakaway in the second, Brock Boeser's power play blast in the final minute of the second and his third period left skate stop on Bo Horvat's rebound chance shortly after the Canucks had cut the Lightning lead to 3-2.
-It was a big night for milestones. Dan Girardi played his 900th career NHL regular season game and made key plays on two Lightning goals. On Paquette's tally, his perfect outlet to Erne created an odd-man rush that led to the goal. On Erne's goal, his pokecheck at the offensive blue line not only prevented the Canucks from breaking out on a counter, it also redirected the puck to Paquette, whose shot was deflected by Erne into the net. Nikita Kucherov, playing his 400th NHL regular season game, chipped in a goal and an assist. Steven Stamkos, with his third period goal, moved into a tie with Marty St. Louis for second place on the franchise all-time goal list (365 goals). And Martel, as previously mentioned, recorded his first NHL point.
Prior to the game, Jon Cooper mentioned that the Lightning, now three games into a five-game stretch against Canadian-based teams, are seeing all of these clubs as they are playing some of their best hockey of the season. The stretch continues Thursday against the Pacific-leading Calgary Flames.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Cedric Paquette - Lightning. Goal, assist. Won eight of 10 faceoffs.
2. Dan Girardi - Lightning. Assist. Plus two. 900th career NHL regular season game.
3. Adam Erne - Lightning. Goal and assist.