Tampa Bay Lightning Triumph Over Utah Mammoth
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — In an impressive display of skill, Andrei Vasilevskiy secured his second shutout of the season and the 42nd of his career by stopping 28 shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning triumphed over the Utah Mammoth with a score of 2-0 on Monday evening. The victory marked the Lightning’s 15th win out of their last 17 games, solidifying their position at the top of the Eastern Conference with a total of 70 points, just one point ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings.
Key Moments of the Game
Darren Raddysh provided the Lightning with the lead late in the second period, scoring on a power play after receiving a precise pass from Nikita Kucherov. Raddysh’s powerful shot found its way past Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka, elevating the Lightning to a 1-0 advantage with 2:22 remaining in the second frame. Brandon Hagel capped off the scoring for Tampa Bay with another power-play goal in the waning moments of the game, marking his 26th goal of the season, which ties him with Kucherov for the team’s lead.
Vejmelka, who recorded 25 saves for the Mammoth, faced a tough challenge as this loss marked only the second time in their last 12 games that Utah had succumbed to defeat in regulation. Kucherov also notched his 53rd assist of the season during Raddysh’s goal, maintaining his third-place ranking in the NHL for points with 79, and trailing only in assists.
Physical Play and Upcoming Matches
In a feisty moment early in the second period, Lightning’s Nick Paul engaged in a fight with Utah’s Ian Cole after a hard hit on rookie Dominic James along the boards, resulting in both players receiving five-minute penalties for their altercation.
As the Mammoth prepare for their next game, they will stay in Florida to take on the Panthers on Tuesday night, while the Lightning will host the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night.
Vasilevskiy’s Dominance
This latest win further showcases Vasilevskiy’s dominance, as he remains perfect against the Mammoth in his two career games against them, both ending in shutouts, including the previous encounter in their inaugural season.
