Friday, 4 a.m.
Ditto.
Once again, there was Andre Vasilevskiy. Once again, there was Brandon Hagel. Once again, there was a strong third period.
So, do you think the Ottawa Senators are a little weary of the Tampa Bay Lightning, or what?
The Bolts beat Ottawa for the second time in three days Thursday night, this time by a score of 5-1. There were familiar aspects — a strong penalty kill, depth scoring — but much of the game was similar to their 4-3 victory over Ottawa.
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In three days, the Bolts picked up four points — they’re now tied for the third playoff spot in the standings — and regained some of their balance for the stretch run.
“It was a massive two games for us,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “We had a five-game home stand. We dropped the first one to Chicago. TO get seven of the next eight points was pivotal, especially against a division rival we’re neck and neck with for a playoff spot.
“It was kind of time to look in the mirror and rise to the occasion. We had to see what this team was made of. For two games, they proved they’re made of a lot.”
Goaltender Vasilevskiy picked up his 23rd win. In two days, he’s stopped 52 of 56 shots.
The Bolts got goals from Jake Guentzel (his 27th),
Tampa Bay is 29-20-4 on the season. They now travel to Detroit for a 1 p.m. game on Saturday.