The 6-13 Buffalo Sabres were reeling coming into the game, and just 1:16 into this one the Lightning already had a 1-0 lead as Stamkos tipped in a rebound past Miller. It appeared to be a good start to an expected win. But the Sabres tied it up quickly leading to a 1-1 game heading to the second. After that the Bolts got four power plays in the second, and an extended 5 on 3, but failed to score, opening the way to a Sabres lead just 52 seconds into the third, a lead they wouldnt relinquish, as Miller made some great saves for a 2-1 win.
The Lightning finished the game 0 for 6 on the power play, dropping their overall percentage for the season to 22%.
the Lightning outshot the Sabres 31-21, but I thought the chances could have been better. As per the usual lately, they passed up several good opportunities to try and make an extra fancy pass.
Stamkos is now up to 14 goals in the season, and has been on a tear lately. 14 goals in 19 games would put him on pace for 60 in an 82 game season.
This one was brutally tough to swallow, a game they simply should not have lost, it hurt. But stunningly, despite a below .500 record, the Bolts are still tied atop the division, but now its a 3 way tie with Winnipeg entering tying the Bolts and Canes, the same Winnipeg dead last in penalty kill in the NHL and that the Bolts mauled 8-3.
A four game road trip starts tomorrow in New York. Then onto Boston, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey, really a brutal road trip.
Southeast Standings
1. Carolina Hurricanes: 19 points
2. Tampa Bay Lightning: 19 points
3. Winnipeg Jets: 19 points
4. Florida Panthers: 16 points
5. Washington Capitals: 15 points
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