Game One Recap: Lightning lose game they absolutely dominate, 3-2

The wounds are still fresh in the heads of players and fans alike. After a terrific regular season last year the Bolts were promptly trashed and swept in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens. This year was dubbed as the redemption tour, as the team was determined to put that ugly performance behind them and come out swinging in this years playoffs. Unfortunately winning a playoff game for this group will have to wait until Saturday as the Bolts lot game one at home 3-2 despite absolutely dominating the Detroit Red Wings.

It wasn't supposed to go this way. The team that went 32-9 at home this season isn't supposed to immediately lose their first playoff game in front of a raucous crowd. The Lightning came out firing to begin the game outshooting Detroit 6-0 in the first seven minutes, but as fate would have it, despite being dominated the first seven minutes Detroit would score on their first shot of the game. Shot were 7-1 Lightning but the score was 1-0 Red Wings. The Bolts would even the score at 1 on a shorthanded breakaway from Brian Boyle. The score would remain tied at 1 after a period.

It didnt take long into the second for the Wings to regain the lead, as just 8 seconds into the period Pavel Datsyuk scored and gave them the two to one edge. The rest of the period would again be dominated by the Bolts but Wings goalie Petr Mrazek held strong and the score was 2-1 heading to the 3rd.

Six minutes into the 3rd Detroit would add a shorthanded goal of their own, the game winning goal to put them up 3-1. It was an inexcusable goal for Bolts goalie Ben Bishop to let in, as it should have been an easy save. After this goal the air was let out of the building and all went quiet. The Bolts got back within one and mounted a furious rally the final ten minutes, but couldn't find the net to tie the game.

Just how much was this game dominated by the Lightning. The final shots on goal are as followed

Lightning: 46
Red Wings: 14

That is not a typo. The Lightning outshot the Wings by 32 and still lost. This one can simply be chalked up to bad luck. I have no doubt the Bolts will rebound and win game two and this series. Game two is Saturday at 3PM.

I have said it often and will say it again. There is absolutely nothing like being at an NHL playoff game in person. I have been to Lambeau Field, Fenway Park, MLB playoff games and NBA playoff games, but nothing else compares. The passion, intensity, and atmosphere is unmatched. Even though yesterday was a loss it was great to be back at a Bolts playoff game and I am already looking forward to being back Next Saturday for Game 5.