5
0
500 and two more for Stamkos, 5-2 for the Lightning.
TB-5
VAN-2
Brian Elliott allowed two goals on 39 shots for the victory. He faced a lot of rubber even before score effects took over.
First Period
4:40 TB Stamkos (19), (Killorn)
8:28 TB Kucherov (18), (Hagel, Point)
13:18 TB Point (26), (Cernak, Colton)
14:35 TB Stamkos (20), (Killorn)
Second Period
NO SCORING
Third Period
6:35 VAN Kuzmenko (18), (Hughes, Miller)(PP)
9:10 VAN Hughes (4), (Miller, Horvat)(PP)
18:38 TB Stamkos (21), (Kucherov)(EN)
Steven Stamkos and Brian Elliott were the game’s first and third stars.
The sideshow that was Steven Stamkos’ pursuit of his 500th goal died long before midnight Eastern Time, and Steven took care to shoot it another couple of times just to make sure it was dead. I didn’t think he’d get 500 on an even strength tap-in, but I also didn’t think he’d get a hat trick. On the latter point, perhaps I should’ve expected that, because it was clear the floodgates were going to open mightily once 500 came. I hope he keeps shooting as much as he has recently during the pursuit. He had a team high six bids tonight.
For the Lightning, they’ve already clinched a +.500 road trip with three straight wins to start the roadie. Given the emphasis they put on getting results in this western swing, it’s a very good thing.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
