There were some circumstances that factored in how the contest unfolded. The Lightning were coming off their bye week. While the rest was beneficial to the team (both physically and mentally), the time off led to some rust in their game. Also, they were facing Vegas, the top team in the Western Conference. The Golden Knights are an excellent team that is well-coached. They play a structured, speedy game and were able to generate numerous chances off those Lightning miscues.
While the Lightning did struggle with their defensive game, they also produced plenty of good scoring chances themselves - at least in the first two periods before Vegas pulled away. Marc-Andre Fleury had a terrific performance, however, and was able to erase all of those Lightning chances except for one - an open net tap-in for Ondrej Palat during a Lightning power play.
But the Lightning know if they are going to end this losing streak, it's going to come from playing solid team defense, as they have done for most of the season. They're going to need to rectify it away from home, however, as they enter a stretch in which they play eight straight on the road.
Lightning Radio Big Moment of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
Fleury's big saves in the second period after Palat's goal cut the Vegas lead to 2-1.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
1. Marc-Andre Fleury - Golden Knights. 28 saves.
2. David Perron - Golden Knights. Goal and assist.
3. James Neal - Golden Knights. Goal.
