4
0
Surly Lightning crush upstart Columbus.
CBJ-2
TB-6
Jonas Johansson allowed two goals on 33 shots for the victory. He got goal support early and often and made one or two timely stops to quell any big Columbus uprisings.
First Period
0:30 TB Chaffee (12), (Lilleberg, Raddysh)
1:37 TB Kucherov (28), (Guentzel)
17:20 CBJ Werenski (19), (unassisted)
Second Period
1:27 TB Guentzel (28), (Hedman, Point)
6:36 TB Hedman (10), (Kucherov, Raddysh)
10:49 CBJ Werenski (20), (Fantilli, Johnson)(SH)
Third Period
9:44 TB Hedman (11), (Point, Kucherov)(PP)
17:53 TB Guentzel (29), (unassisted)(EN)
Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov were the game’s first and second stars.
After losing their first game in ten or so outings, you might’ve expected the Lightning to sag a little on the back-to-back against a playoff hungry Blue Jackets team. Not so. That was a savage beat down and the Lightning jumped all over Columbus from the opening faceoff. Trade deadline’s Friday and the Lightning made a couple of paper waivers moves today to prepare. The right couple of deals make the Lightning a legit Cup contender, but also have to be mindful of the chemistry this group has developed over the last month. They’re really, really clicking along right now.
Gage Goncalves was +1 with 2 hits and 1 blocked shot in 12:14. Two more appearances to graduation from prospect status.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
