A desperate Lightning team took the ice on Tuesday night in New Jersey. After losing five straight games, the Bolts played as if their lives depended on it.
An unlikely source led Tampa Bay to only their second win in eight games. Fourth line center Nate Thompson scored two goals and after the game talked about how the Lightning took advantage of their opportunities.
Via ESPN.com:
“We really needed this one,” said Thompson, who also had an assist on the Lightning’s final goal. “We were desperate. We talked all day about doing the little things right. It always feels good when you can contribute. I don’t get a chance to score two goals often. I was pretty close to a third. We did a great job of taking advantage of our opportunities. Both of my goals tonight came off great passes. I’d be a fool if I missed them.”
“You get a win like this and it can give us momentum moving forward. We just needed to get it going, relax, and play our game.” (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
Martin St. Louis and Alex Killorn had a goal apiece and Vincent Lecavalier and Cory Conacher each had two assists in the 5-2 win.
Goalie Anders Lindback played well, allowing only two late goals to the Devils.
Tampa Bay rookie Alex Killorn has four goals and four assists in 13 games since being called up. He made an outstanding play on the third goal as he skated out from behind the Devils’ net, moved between the circles and beat Johan Hedberg five hole.
Bolts bench boss Guy Boucher spoke about his teams sense of urgency.
Via ESPN.com:
“I’ve been saying that we needed to work hard for a long time and tonight the hard work paid off,” Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. “We played great against great opponents, but can’t finish. We’re right there with them and can’t get it done. So many times, being good offensively is important. I told the players before the game that now is the time. They had to turn it up. They deserve this. I was hoping that a game like this would have come earlier.”
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