The biggest goal of the game was Jared Spurgeon's power play tally at 10:07 of the first period. It broke a scoreless tie and set the teams in opposite directions. The Wild, who were coming off their bye week, settled into their game after that goal. For the Lightning, the goal was deflating. They had started the game well, at least in terms of attacking the Minnesota zone with speed. But they weren't able to translate those rush chances into shots on net. Instead, many of the best Lightning looks missed the net (they finished the first period with 20 total shot attempts, 10 of which missed the net). The Spurgeon goal came three seconds after the power play began, as Eric Staal won the faceoff and Spurgeon ripped a one-timer that hooked past Vasilevskiy's stick.
The Wild took control after that, building a puck possession advantage and owning most of the scoring chances. They added a second goal late in the frame, when Zach Parise deflected Ryan Suter's shot past Vasilevskiy. The Lightning unsuccessfully challenged the goal and I confess I don't understand why the goal wasn't overturned. As Parise pivoted at the side of the net, his stick made contact with Vasilevskiy's stick. It certainly appeared that the stick contact affected Vasilevskiy's ability to stop the shot, which went past him on the stick side. But obviously, the officials disagreed and allowed the goal to stand.
The second period was a quiet one for the Lightning. Up until Brayden Point's goal at 15:35, they generated very little pressure. The Wild enjoyed nearly all of the puck possession during that time and added to their lead when Nate Prosser got open at the right circle and scored the third Minnesota goal.
Point's first tally sparked the Lightning and the Bolts had a couple of good shifts to close out the second. But they couldn't sustain it in the third. A d-zone turnover and lost coverage on Marcus Foligno led to another Minnesota tally at 3:10. Although Point pulled the Lightning to within 4-2 when he scored during a five-on-three power play, the Lightning were not able to build on it. Right before the Point goal, Ondrej Palat left the game, so the Lightning had to go the rest of the way with only 10 forwards (they dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen). But also give credit to the Wild. After Point's power play goal, Minnesota defended very well without the puck and prevented the Lightning from getting dangerous looks.
The Lightning have now allowed four or more goals in four straight games and in five of their last six. It's not a winning formula - the Bolts are just 2-4-0 during that span and have lost three in a row for the first time all season. Certainly, a tighter defensive performance is needed, but also getting the lead would help the team's confidence and swagger. They'll try to get back on track on Monday in Chicago.
Lightning Radio Big Moment of the Game:
Spurgeon's PPG.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Eric Staal - Wild. Two assists.
2. Jared Spurgeon - Wild. PPG.
3. Brayden Point - Lightning. Two goals.
4.
