Lightning-Flyers: Observations from Tampa Bay’s 5-2 win on the road

TAMPA – It didn’t take long for the Lightning to prove it was in control of its matchup against the Flyers, despite the fact it was missing its best defenseman and center.

It took 10 minutes and 23 seconds to be exact. First with Mikhail Sergachev, then Alex Killorn and finally by J.T. Miller.

Tampa Bay kept its seven-game win streak alive scoring another two goals in the third period, answering Philadelphia’s effort in a comeback, Saturday night. The streak is tied for the second-longest of the season.

No Victor Hedman or Brayden Point? No problem.

Here are some odds and ends from Tampa Bay’s win:

Just a casual, on-his-back save. Louis Domingue made the most casual ridiculous save. He sprawled and flipped, making a save with his skate extended in the air, then another once he landed back on his legs. No big deal.

Streaking on the power play. The Lightning has scored at least one power-play goal in each of the last seven games. Tampa Bay has 10 power-play goals in that stretch, and the best power play in the league.

Third time's the charm. The third period has been an issue for the Lightning against the Flyers this year. Twice, Tampa Bay has given up a three-goal lead and needed overtime to win. Not on Tuesday, though.

Černák can take a hit from the best of them. Erik Černák found himself battling for the puck with one of the league’s most physical players, Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers forward slammed into Černák, forcing the Lightning defenseman to lose his footing and fall to his knees. It was a hard hit for sure, but Černák got right back up and made a great shot on goal seconds later.

Consecutive opening-goal streak improves to six. Mikhail Sergachev redirected the puck off a rebound from Steven Stamkos back toward the net like he was taking a casual shot during warm-ups. It beat Philadelphia’s Carter Hart on the short side and extended the Lightning’s consecutive opening-goal streak to six.

Killorn logs his 100th career goal. Adam Erne lined up a shot from the blue line Tuesday night, but couldn’t find a way for it to make it past Hart. The puck rebounded just in front of Killorn, presenting the perfect opportunity for him to notch his 100th career goal.

It’s Miller time. Grab a beer and take a seat, J.T. Miller’s play on Tuesday night is worth it. Miller’s been quiet as of late, but he certainly was in the spotlight as he sprinted down the ice on a breakaway about halfway through the first period. He brought back his stick and sent the puck flying past Hart to bring the Lightning up 3-0.

No goals from Stamkos or Kucherov? No problem. Nikita Kucherov’s point streak was snapped Tuesday night. The All-Star forward didn’t register a single assist or goal, but his efforts on the ice haven’t gone unnoticed as he’s racked up 18 points over the last five games. Steven Stamkos also finished out on the low side of things Saturday night, only notching a single assist on Sergachev’s game-opening goal. Stamkos has registered at least one point in every game since Feb. 9.