Game 52 - Vancouver at Tampa Bay

...Now that was a hockey game.

I went into this game believing that I'd stay neutral - like I've done at many games before. I like both teams, so typically I'll just sit back and enjoy the game when that happens. But I couldn't help it. I was cheering on Tampa Bay for all I was worth. (Sorry Vancouver!)

I was worried that Tampa Bay would sit back and let Vancouver set the tone of the game after the Canucks scored the first goal. And then Lecavalier fell on Burrows like a ton of bricks. Hard to say what that was about, but it was clear to me that Lecavalier was not happy at all tonight. And he set the tone for the rest of the Lightning who were scrapping and hitting for the rest of the game.

For the first time this season, the Lightning dictated the play in both ends of the ice. And it was a beautiful thing to watch, let me tell you. Vancouver had some serious problems getting shots on goal for at least the first half of the game. The last half of the second period, Tampa Bay was playing with the puck more than passing or shooting it, but thankfully they got over that in time for the third.

In the third period, the penalty filled at one point. I can't remember the last time I'd seen an NHL game where both penalty boxes were full, and everyone on the ice had not paired up to fight. I've been to major junior (WHL) games where it was standing room only in the penalty boxes and 4 guys left on the bench after ejections as the game went on, but that was junior hockey and not the NHL.

Maybe they can lay off a little on the hitting, but that's the way Tampa Bay needs to play in order to get into playoffs. It was like a switch has been flipped, and this team not only has an identity, but now also a purpose. They didn't really have that before. Whatever has been changed, it was definitely a good idea and they should keep it up.

Vancouver looked as if they didn't quite expect such a dominating team. I don't think they were sure how to play it. They also looked a little dazed to me, but that was probably from the travel.

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