In terms of generating scoring chances of their own, the Lightning's most productive period was the first. They posted 15 shots on net and forced Philipp Grubauer to make several difficult saves. Steven Stamkos, still in pursuit of his 500th goal, registered four dangerous shots in the opening frame. With time winding down in the period, the Lightning finally broke through - Pierre-Edouard Bellemare deflected in an Ian Cole point shot at 18:43.
The Lightning dominated possession in the first (shot attempts were 25-12 in favor of Tampa Bay), but the ice was more level in the final 40 minutes. Both teams effectively limited chances in what was a scoreless middle period. But still, there were a few opportunities. Grubauer denied back-to-back Nikita Kucherov shots and later, during a Lightning power play, stopped a Corey Perry attempt at the side of the net. With Seattle on the power play, Andrei Vasilevskiy came up with a left skate save on a Daniel Sprong shot that was deflected by Matty Beniers. Andre Burakovsky jumped on the rebound and fired the puck towards the net, but Cole blocked it.
Not quite seven minutes into the third, the Lightning added to their lead. Vince Dunn fumbled the puck behind his own net and Nick Paul collected it, moved to the bottom of the right circle, and wristed a shot over Grubauer's left shoulder.
Down by two, the Kraken pressed the attack over the next several minutes. They recorded four quality shots on net and buzzed around the offensive zone. Then, following an offensive zone face-off, the Kraken got on the board. Dunn's right point shot found its way through a screen and past Vasilevskiy at 10:44.
Credit the Lightning for responding well after the Dunn goal. They didn't allow Seattle another shot for over four minutes. Instead, much of that time was spent in Kraken's defensive zone. Vasilevskiy eventually did make four saves as the clock neared the final two minutes. Shortly after Grubauer was pulled for an extra attacker, Alex Killorn backhanded the puck from his own end into the offensive zone and Brandon Hagel outraced two Seattle players to score into the empty net with 1:39 remaining. The Kraken again pulled Grubauer - and again the Lightning tallied an empty-netter. Victor Hedman wanted to pass to Stamkos, but the Kraken took the lane away. So Hedman had a clear look at the open net and he scored the game's final goal at 19:16.
The Lightning's objective on this season-long five-game trip was to return with more points than games. With four points already in the bank, they've put themselves in position to reach that goal as soon as Wednesday, when they face Vancouver.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Victor Hedman - Lightning. ENG.
2. Anthony Cirelli - Lightning.
3. Andrei Vasilevskiy - Lightning. 22 saves.
