Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Tampa Bay Lightning outshot and out-attempted the Seattle Kraken, but ultimately fell 4-3 in overtime in a back-and-forth affair. The Kraken built an early 3-1 lead, but the Lightning fought back to tie the game in the second period before Seattle’s Brandon Montour scored the winner in the extra session.
Why it matters
This game was an important one in the tight Western Conference playoff race, with the Kraken solidifying their position while the Lightning missed out on a chance to gain ground in the Atlantic Division.
The details
Despite controlling play for much of the game, outshooting Seattle 33-19 and out-attempting them 74-34, the Lightning were unable to find the go-ahead goal late in regulation. The Kraken’s strong defensive effort, blocking 27 shots, helped them protect their narrow lead before Montour’s overtime winner.
The Kraken opened the scoring at 15:18 of the first period.Anthony Cirelli tied the game at 1-1 for the Lightning at 17:01 of the first.Kaapo Kakko put the Kraken back ahead 2-1 before the end of the first period.Bobby McMann extended Seattle’s lead to 3-1 at 3:35 of the second period.Jake Guentzel and Corey Perry scored in the second to tie the game at 3-3.
The players
Brandon Montour
Scored the overtime winner for the Kraken.
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Goaltender for the Lightning who made 15 saves in the loss.
Philipp Grubauer
Kraken goaltender who made several key saves to preserve the tie late in regulation.
Corey Perry
Veteran Lightning forward who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.
Jake Guentzel
Assisted on Perry’s goal to help the Lightning rally.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“We played well enough to get a better result, but the early deficit meant we had to fight back just to get the point.”
— Dave Mishkin, Lightning Radio Broadcaster
What’s next
The Lightning will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host the Ottawa Senators, a team they haven’t faced since the season opener.
The takeaway
Despite their strong overall performance, the Lightning’s inability to fully overcome Seattle’s early lead proved costly, highlighting the importance of starting games with intensity in the tight Western Conference playoff race.