Pasquale strong but Lightning fall to Habs
Despite a 41-save performance from Pasquale, the Bolts fell 4-2 in Montreal on Tuesday
by Jacob Lynn / TampaBayLightning.com
With Louis Domingue nursing a lower-body injury, the Lightning called on Eddie Pasquale in the second half of a back-to-back vs. the Canadiens on Tuesday night.
Despite an impressive 41-save performance from Pasquale, a strong offensive push from the Habs proved to be too much as the Bolts fell 4-2.
It took the Bolts only 2:28 to get on the board first. From behind the goal line, Steven Stamkos threw the puck in front and had it deflect off a defender and past Carey Price to open the scoring.
Video: TBL@MTL: Stamkos scores off defender's skate
For the remainder of the period, however, Montreal controlled play.
The Habs equalized midway through the period on Nate Thompson's fifth goal of the season. A loose puck fell to Thompson in the slot who tied the game with a quick shot past Pasquale.
It took several strong saves from Pasquale to get the Lightning to intermission with the game tied. Montreal ended the period with a 19-6 advantage in shots on goal.
Cedric Paquette gave the Lightning the lead less than five minutes into the second period, redirecting home a feed from Adam Erne.
Montreal equalized just over three minutes later on a goal from Joel Armia. Pasquale got unlucky, having Armia's shot from behind the goal line bank off his body and into the net.
The Canadiens took the lead for good with a pair of third period goals. Artturi Lehkonen scored the game-winner eight minutes in the third and Max Domi added an insurance tally on a breakaway two minutes later to put the game away.
Video: TBL@MTL: Pasquale gets across to rob Shaw's one-timer
Making just his second start of the year for the Bolts, Pasquale was brilliant and kept Tampa Bay in the game for most of the night. Montreal got off over 90 shot attempts with 45 of them getting through on goal.
The Lightning now turn their attention to Thursday's matchup vs. the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
Scoring Summary
1st Period
TBL | 2:28 Steven Stamkos (43) - Unassisted
MTL | 12:23 Nate Thompson (5) - Paul Byron, Jordie Benn
2nd Period
TBL | 4:18 Cedric Paquette (13) - Adam Erne, Erik Cernak
MTL | 7:32 Joel Armia (13) - Tomas Tatar, Phillip Danault
3rd Period
MTL | 7:47 Artturi Lehkonen (11) - Victor Mete, Andrew Shaw
MTL | 10:08 Max Domi (28) - Artturi Lehkonen, Jordie Benn