After one period of play, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames are tied 1-1. The Lightning were the first to score, with Teddy Purcell knocked a pass from behind the goal off a Flame defender and into the net early in the period. It would take a long time for the Flames to develop much momentum, but with only 30 seconds remaining in the period, Matt Stajan flicked a bouncing puck into the goal behind Mattieu Garon.
While these two teams haven’t faced each other in a long time, they haven’t wasted time beating each other up. It’s been a very physical game so far, as the team have combined for 15 hits and five minor penalties (2 on Calgary, 3 on the Bolts). There haven’t been any fights yet, but if the game continues being this physical, it seems like only a matter of time before a few hits escalate into something more.
The Flames will open the second period with a power play, as Dominic Moore was called with a hooking penalty right as the second period was closing. The Lightning scored on their first power play opportunity, and they have managed to keep the Flames out of the net on two opportunities thus far.
For Bolts fans, this was a positive and encouraging start to the game. The Lighting controlled the majority of the first period, and they kept the Flames from getting many good scoring opportunities until late in the period. They also put considerably pressure on the Flames’ goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, and they are leading in overall shots by one (10-9).
To join in the conversation during the game, check out SB Nation’s blog on the Lightning, Raw Charge.