Mainly because we outplayed and outshot them except for a couple minute stretch in the first 6 minutes. Hopefully Florida continues to focus more on running at guys behind the play and taking cheap shots rather than scoring.
Going to be fun watching that punk Lomberg get pummeled by somebody whenever the Lightning have the series in hand. He deserves it.
Panthers have to be a bit shell shocked. I would expect an angry team for game 3, but so far Tampa’s experience is clearly the difference.
Q switching goalies was odd. I think Bob is overrated and overpaid, but he is your starter. Now what do the Panthers do? Oh well. Business trip complete. Remember last week when Tampa basically hand delivered home ice to the kitties? Lol, so much for that. Oh and Stammer and Kuch matter. Who knew?
Lot of dirty plays both ways. This Panther fan won't argue the Bennett suspension, but there should have also been one on the equally dangerous hit by McDonough on Duclair earlier in the period, and the high hit by Coleman (pretty obviously targeting the head) on Barkov earlier in the period as well. And no one can convince me otherwise that Tampa is gaming the system and circumventing the cap with both Kucherov and Stamkos. Team has almost a $100MM cap hit in an $81MM cap world because of the LTIR. Good on them finding a way to do that, but it's a loophole that needs to be closed (my solution is if a player doesn't participate in at least 15% of the season, they're not eligible for the playoffs).
Choked a 2 goal lead away in the third and choked in overtime. Have to show up big on Saturday or the Panthers will tie the series and have all the momentum.
Well Tampa has been completely outplayed, outshot 14-6, and they are up 3-1 in the first. Bizarre game so far.
This first period has been very chippy. Lightning very efficient in shots on goal. I like the 2 goal lead, but something tells me there will be more scoring, as the Panthers have been putting on a lot of offensive pressure.
