John Carlson scored twice, and the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 Thursday to complete a three-game homestand sweep. The victory followed a fast first period and a scoreless third in which both goaltenders kept their teams within reach.
Anthony Cirelli opened the scoring at 5:26 of the first period by tipping an Erik Cernak point shot past Jesper Wallstedt. Cirelli, Brandon Hagel and Jake Guentzel created the extended offensive-zone shift that led to the goal. Carlson added another goal at 6:02, wristing a center-point shot past a screened Wallstedt to give Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead.
The Lightning outattempted the Wild 32-16 in the opening period after Minnesota controlled the first few minutes. Tampa Bay maintained its momentum for much of the frame, while Wallstedt made several key saves to keep the deficit at two goals.
Carlson Scores on the Power Play
Minnesota cut into the lead at 2:32 of the second period when Quinn Hughes scored on a shot from the blue line that beat a screened Dennis Hildeby. The Lightning responded at 4:55, when Carlson scored on a power play by sending a one-timer from the slot past Wallstedt’s stick.
The goal was the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first power-play goal of the season and gave Carlson his second goal of the game. Minnesota answered at 14:01 of the period when Blake Coleman, a former Tampa Bay Lightning forward, lifted a shot from the left circle over Hildeby’s glove.
Hildeby Protects the Lead
The teams combined for 27 third-period shots, but neither scored. Hildeby finished his Tampa Bay Lightning debut with 34 saves, while Wallstedt made 32 saves in his first appearance against Tampa Bay.
Carlson recorded nine shots on goal and was selected as one of the Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game. Hildeby and Wallstedt also received three-star recognition, with Phil Esposito selecting the three stars.
Road Trip Begins Saturday
The Tampa Bay Lightning will open a two-game road trip Saturday against the New York Islanders. The game follows the Lightning’s three-game homestand sweep and their 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
FSB Take
The Tampa Bay Lightning built the win with two early goals, received their first power-play goal of the season from Carlson and held off Minnesota during a scoreless third period. Carlson’s two goals and nine shots on goal led the Lightning’s offensive effort, while Hildeby’s 34-save debut preserved the one-goal advantage. The New York Islanders will be Tampa Bay’s next opponent when the two-game road trip begins Saturday.
Source: Original report