Tyler Johnson Photo by Alexis Boucher
As the third period was about to get underway at the Tampa Bay Times Forum last night, the scoring summary was shown on the video board as per usual. What was a but of a change was the names showing up on that list. Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, Alex Killorn, and Cory Conacher. All recently played for the Syracuse Crunch. All have joined the parent club and have been impossible to ignore on the ice.
Johnson scored his first NHL goal last night and also registered an assist. Sadly there were no fisticuffs to complete the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, but the W is more important. Ondrej Palat also scored his first NHL goal last night as well. The “green” players lead the Bolts to a 4-1 victory over the division rival Carolina Hurricanes.
Take a look at Johnson’s goal. The hard work of that line helped the Lightning to open the scoring. The magic these guys were creating in the AHL has definitely translated to the bigger stage of the NHL. It couldn’t come at a better time for Tampa Bay.
Last night’s victory has the Bolts within 6 points of the final playoff spot in the east and 7 points of the division leading Winnipeg Jets. With 20 games left, the post season is still possible if they can play like they did last night. The Flyers come to down Monday. Pretty much every game is a must win now, the desperation just has to continue.
-Radko Gudas remains a beast. There were questions about his control in regards to his temper, mainly in light of his 207 PIMS this season. Carolina definitely seemed to be baiting him into some rough stuff, but he maintained composure and kept on playing.
- It was weird seeing Adam Hall in another uniform. Glad he’s getting a chance to play.
-Good to see Dana Tyrell and Tom Pyatt back in the line up.
-It was mentioned that last night’s game was the first in franchise history to see 2 rookies get their first NHL goals in the same game.
