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Can Lightning Strike Twice at Wells Fargo Center After Dominating Devils?

The Tampa Bay Lightning, with a record of 4-1, faced off against the New Jersey Devils, who held a 1-4 record. The final score reflected the dominance of the visiting team: 4-1.


Feb 25, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (91) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) chase the puck during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The game at Prudential Center was an exhibition of Tampa Bay's balanced attack and solid defense. The Lightning's offense was firing on all cylinders, netting four goals from twenty-seven shots for a shooting percentage of fifteen percent. Their performance was bolstered by seven assists and an empty-net goal that sealed their victory. A pivotal moment came when the Lightning scored the winning goal, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on critical opportunities.


Defensively, Tampa Bay was just as impressive. They blocked twenty-five shots and executed thirteen takeaways, disrupting the Devils' offensive flow throughout the match. The team's physicality was evident in their fourteen hits over three periods.


Feb 25, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Jesper Bratt (63) skates with the puck while being defended by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay's goaltender deserves special mention for an outstanding performance between the pipes with eighteen saves from nineteen shots against him – a perfect save percentage that contributed significantly to keeping New Jersey at bay.


On special teams, while Tampa Bay did not convert on any powerplay opportunities despite three chances and three shots during those advantages, they remained disciplined enough to prevent any powerplay goals against them.


Feb 25, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Tyler Toffoli (73) heads towards his bench after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Conversely, New Jersey managed only one goal from nineteen shots – a five percent shooting success rate – which came during one of their four powerplay opportunities. Their lone bright spot may have been faceoff wins where they edged out Tampa Bay with fifty-seven percent success in draws compared to forty-three percent for the visitors.


As fans look ahead after this commanding performance by Tampa Bay Lightning, attention turns to their next challenge. They will be guests once again as they travel to Philadelphia Flyers' home ice at Wells Fargo Center on February 28th. Fans eager to follow can catch live coverage through ESPN+ online or tune into NBCS-PH or BSSUN television networks for broadcast details.

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