The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped their second-to-last game of the season on Thursday night, falling 3-2 up north to the Toronto Maple Leafs. With all eight spots of the Eastern Conference locked up, theses two non-playoff teams were playing for pride, and the Steven Stamkos's goal-scoring chase for 60. The All-Star forward has already locked up the goal-scoring title, but has a shot at reaching 60 goals for the first time in his young career.
On Thursday, he added to his gaudy numbers with a snipe to beat Ben Scrivens for his 59th of the season. Bruno Gervais assisted Stamkos on the goal. But it was not enough for the Bolts, as Toronto answered with a Jake Gardiner goal to tie it at 2-2 with three minutes remaining in the third period. The Leafs would take it in overtime when a Dion Phaneuf blast beat Dwayne Roloson to end it.
The Bolts will now stay up north and finish out the season on Saturday night against the Winnipeg Jets.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Lightning, visit Raw Charge, SB Nation's Bolts blog. For the opponent's perspective, check out Pension Plan Puppets, SB Nation's Toronto Maple Leafs blog. Check out SB Nation's NHL hub for all your hockey news and analysis as the playoffs approach.