@jayRecher
Well, it wasn't going to last forever.
The Detroit Red Wings came into Amalie Arena on Easter Sunday and defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 5-1.
This was the first time in 18 games that the Lightning have lost at home to the Red Wings.
Dylan Larkin, Valtteri Filppula, Michael Rasmussen, Marc Staal and Darren Helm scored for Detroit, and goaltender Thomas Greiss made 27 saves.
Christopher Gibson got the start in net for Tampa Bay. This was Gibson's first start for the Bolts, and his first appearance in an NHL game since March 9th, 2019.
Ironically enough, in that game Gibson came on in relief for his opponent in Sunday's game, Greiss, in the New York Islanders' 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Bolts had the edge in play for the first period of play, but the Wings were able to score first when Larkin scored on the power play with just 12.1 seconds left in the period.
Tampa Bay controlled the majority of play in the 2nd period, but goals by Filppula, Rasmussen and Staal within about three minutes late in the period gave Detroit a 4-0 lead heading into the second intermission.
Victor Hedman scored at the 4:12 mark to give the Lightning a glimmer hope, but Helm's empty-netter just after Tampa Bay pulled their goalie with about six minutes remaining sealed the deal for the Wings.
Gibson made 13 saves in his Lightning debut.
A Moment Of Ben : Tampa Bay defenseman Ben Thomas made his NHL debut in Sunday's game. He played nearly 300 games in the AHL before debuting for the Lightning. For the video of him taking his solo rookie skate in the pregame warmups, scroll down and check it out!!
Another Milestone For The Big Swede : During the first TV timeout, the Lightning played a video package (check it out BELOW) recognizing Victor Hedman for playing in his 800th NHL game. A tremendous accomplishment for one of the best players in Lightning history.
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SCORING SUMMARY
1st Period
- Detroit - PPG - Larkin - (Erne, Hronek) - 19:47
2nd Period
- Detroit - Filppula - (Glendening, Namestnikov) - 16:05
- Detroit - Rasmussen - (Djoos, Mantha) - 16:34
- Detroit - Staal - (Mantha) - 18:58
3rd Period
- Tampa Bay - Hedman - (Stamkos, Foote) - 4:12
- Detroit - ENG - Helm - (Glendening, Namestnikov) - 14:19
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PENALTY SUMMARY
1st Period
- Detroit - Hronek - (Holding) - 15:42
- Tampa Bay - Schenn - (Slashing) - 18:45
2nd Period
- NONE
3rd Period
- Tampa Bay - Stamkos - (Interference) - 11:20
- Detroit - DeKeyser - (Tripping) - 14:50
- Detroit - DeKeyser - (Delay of Game) - 17:05
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What's Next For The Bolts : The Lightning are back in action on Tuesday night as they travel to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. Puck drop is slated for 7:00pm with the pregame at 6:30pm on NewsRadio WFLA.