Devils Capitalize On Lightning Mistakes
Ben Lovejoy, Nico Hischier, Pavel Zacha, and Miles Wood each scored and Eddie Lack made 48-saves en route to a 4-3 victory for the New Jersey Devils over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
It was Lack’s first victory with New Jersey since being acquired from the Calgary Flames on December 30th. The win extends New Jersey’s win streak to three straight and they improve to 30-20-8 on the season.
Chris Kunitz, Brayden Point, and Steven Stamkos each scored for the Lightning who drop to 39-17-3 on the season. The Lightning have lost three of their last four games but maintain a three point lead over the Boston Bruins in the Atlantic Division.
Cooper Unhappy With Team’s Defense:
“You’ve got to defend, that’s it, you’ve got to defend. So often our goalie holds us in and masks some of the issues in the d zone we have. That’s the tough part because they know, but we just got some guys in there that push for the next goal, push for the next goal and often times we just have to be a little more patient and with our group another one will come at some point.”
Lightning Notes:
- Chris Kunitz scored his ninth goal of the season to tie the game at a goal apiece. The goal snaps a six game scoreless streak going back to February 3rd against Vancouver.
- Ryan Callahan and Vladislav Namestnikov picked up assists on Kunitz’s goal.
- Brayden Point opened the scoring in the second period with his 21st goal of the season. It was his 50th point of the season. He becomes the eighth player in franchise history to register a 50-point season before the age of 22.
- Yanni Gourde and Mikhail Sergachev each picked up assist’s on Point’s goal.
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Gourde now has 44 points moving him into sole possession for fifth place in franchise history for points by a rookie. He trails Steven Stamkos (46 [2008-09), Tyler Johnson (50 [2013-14]), Ondrej Palat (59 [2013-14]), and Brad Richards (62 [2000-01).
- Steven Stamkos cut the Devils lead to 4-3 scoring a power play goal at the 5:15 mark of the 3rd period. It’s his 24th goal of the season and extends his point streak to five games (5-5–9).
- Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov picked up assists on Stamkos’ goal.
- The Lightning head to Washington to take on the Capitals Tuesday night at 7:00 pm. It’s the first of a three game road trip that includes games against the Ottawa Senators (Thursday, 2/22) and Montreal Canadiens (Saturday, 2/24).
