The Tampa Bay Lightning went on the power play three times in the second period and took advantage of the extra man twice. Ryan Malone scored first for the Lightning on a pass from Steven Stamkos. Teddy Purcell had the second assist and is now on an 11 game point streak. With 1:18 left in the middle stanza, Purcell showed why he is the hottest forward on the Lightning right now, as he scored his 20th goal of the season on the third power play chance for the Bolts. The forward now has seven multi-point games this season.
The Capitals have been passive while on the penalty kill tonight, letting the Bolts dictate the passes on the man-advantage. Tampa Bay is now 8-for-20 on their most attempts on the road, a piece that has been missing all season
The game got quite physical in the second period. Brett Connolly went to the locker room when Mike Green appeared to elbow the rookie in the face. However, there was no call on the play, referee had to be closing his eyes. The elbow was deliberate and blatant. Co Connolly did return to the bench but has not had ice time since the elbow. Nate Thompson took a forearm to the head a few plays later and JT Wyman appeared to be boarded although there was no call on the play.
The Lightning are 20-1-1 when leading after two periods.