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The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up a huge 7-4 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. This win comes after back-to-back overtime losses for the Lightning. The Lightning needed this bounce-back win in a tight race for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference.
Second0-Period Shutout
The Lightning finished the first period down by one to the Sabres. In the second period, the Lightning outscored the Sabres by an astounding four goals. The four goals of the period all came from different Lightning players and were assisted by an array of players.
Defenseman Emil Lilleberg scored his first career NHL goal to give the Lightning the three-goal lead that they would finish the game with. The 24-year-old has seen a significant increase in his ability this year as he has gotten his first goal of his career, double digit assists, along with keeping an even plus-minus. The development of the Lightning’s young defensemen will be key to their future success as their top defenders get older.
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Best Defense is Twice the Offense
Although the Lightning won by a three-goal margin, their defense struggled as they gave up four goals. The Lightning had backup Jonas Johansson starting after Vasilesvky started five straight games. Johansson saved only 84% of shots he faced on the night.
Luckily, the Lightning defensive woes were a non-factor due to their offensive explosion. The Lightning scored 22.5% of their shots and put up six more shots than the Sabres. Twelve Lightning players contributed at least a point in the game, including three defenders. The puck was distributed well as only one goal came unassisted. With such a great team offensive effort, the Lightning look like their traditional selves as they enter the end of the regular season.
Looking Ahead
The Lightning have two games left in the regular season. Their next matchup will be at home Tuesday night against the Florida Panthers. They hold the second seed in the Atlantic Division and can lock-in this seed with a win against the Panthers.
