The Tampa Bay Lightning were officially eliminated from the playoffs last night as the Montreal Canadiens scored a last second power play goal to beat them 3-2.
Richard Panik and Vincent Lecavalier scored for the Bolts (17-23-4), who lost their fifth straight game and completed a winless four-game road trip. Victor Hedman had two assists. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
TampaBay has missed the postseason for five of the last six seasons.
The Bolts played well overall and the goaltending of Ben Bishop was outstanding. Unfortunately for the Bolts, the Canadiens goalie Carey Price was a little bit better. Both backstops stopped 32 shots.
Despite playing well, TampaBay shot themselves in the foot over and over. The most hurtful mistake was Benoit Pouliot’s holding penalty with just 2:21 left in the third period that led to Brian Gionta’s game winner with just 46.4 seconds left.
Earlier, forward Ryan Malone simply gave the puck away to the Canadien’s, who in turn scored.
Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Teddy Purcell all clanked shots off the iron in the first period. If those shots go in, it probably is a different game and outcome.
The Lightning have just four games left in their dismal season.
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