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Lightning journal: Barrage of shots during power play pays off against Capitals

 
Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) shoots and scores, beating Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer and defenseman Taylor Chorney to tie the score at 3 during Monday’s game.
Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) shoots and scores, beating Capitals goalie Philipp Grubauer and defenseman Taylor Chorney to tie the score at 3 during Monday’s game.
Published Oct. 11, 2017

TAMPA — The Lightning did not score a goal during their third-period power play Monday, but it might have won the game during the two minutes with the man advantage.

Trailing the Capitals 3-2 in a game it would win 4-3 in overtime, the Lightning controlled the puck for nearly the entire two minutes and took 11 shots, seven of which were on net.

C Steven Stamkos, D Victor Hedman and C Vladislav Namestnikov had two shots each. RW Nikita Kucherov had one.

The barrage enabled the Lightning to finish with a 17-6 shot advantage in the period, with one of those being Kucherov's tying goal at 10:46.

"It's just nice to get the feeling of the puck and move the puck well," Kucherov said. "We had (seven) shots, but it's good for building confidence on the next shift."

Maintenance day for Paquette

C Cedric Paquette did not practice Tuesday. Coach Jon Cooper said Paquette should be ready to play Thursday against the visiting Penguins.

"Well he plays that style and he gets in lanes, he blocks shots, he's a physical player, so sometimes those guys need a little rest," Cooper said. "That's what's going on."

Light night for Koekkoek

D Slater Koekkoek made his season debut Monday against the Capitals but played only six shifts for a total ice time of 3 minutes, 9 seconds.

"That's not the last time he's going to be in our lineup. We're going to need our depth to win," coach Jon Cooper said. "I feel for him. Ultimately that's how the ice time ended up. It's get your minutes in. Next game, try to get a few more. Next game, try to get a few more."

Sizing him up

Former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk was fitted Tuesday for his Hockey Hall of Fame blazer and his ring. He also donated some items from his career to the hall.

The big 2-5

The Lightning will hold its 25th anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Expo Hall at the Florida State Fair Grounds in Tampa. The event is free, but fans need to obtain a mobile ticket at tampabaylightning.com.

Expo Hall, the team's original home, will be set up like it was during the inaugural season. Fans can meet members of the original team, including Chris Kontos, Brian Bradley and team founder Phil Esposito.