4
0
Everything remains bad.
TB-3
WSH-4
Andrei Vasilevskiy allowed four goals on 28 shots for the loss. The Lightning leave DC with not less than a point with a more competent effort from the goaltender, and I’ll just leave that there.
First Period
5:10 WSH Fehervary (6), (Carlson, Sheary)
7:38 WSH Carlson (12), (Kuznetsov, Backstrom)
8:41 TB Kucherov (14), (Hedman)
15:10 WSH Ovechkin (43), (Carlson, Kuznetsov)
16:31 TB Paul (13), (Stamkos, Rutta)
Second Period
16:35 WSH Carlson (13), (Oshie, Ovechkin)(PP)
Third Period
17:10 TB Colton (15), (Sergachev, Maroon)(PP)
Ross Colton was the game’s third star.
Let me temper my critique of Vasilevskiy by also saying that the team in front of him was also hot garbage tonight, especially at the very start of the game. Getting embarrassed by Toronto last time out should’ve elicited some kind of reaction from this squad, but instead the Lightning look listless and disinterested en route to spotting Washington a two goal lead. And, in the end, there was your game. And as bad as guys not getting stuck in from the opening puck drop is, it’s not even the worst sign. The first 20 minutes of hockey tonight was simply the worst structure I’ve seen from the Lightning in forever. Just terrible. I don’t know how this team continues to give up odd man rushes and goals straight off of offensive zone faceoffs but it’s happened 2-3 times recently including tonight. And, in transition, even when they have numbers they just can’t get it sorted and leave men wide open. It’s an abomination, and at some point pride has to kick in. Victor Hedman looked ready to choke someone at several points of this game and hey, if someone’s gotta go to the hospital to make the point I’m about ready to co-sign that, big fella. There’s 12 games left before the playoffs and this club doesn’t look fit to compete in anything other than a dog show at the moment. Woof. Woof.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
