Game 36: Montréal at Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Lightning lost in a shootout with the Montréal Canadiens by a score of 2-1.

Here's a trend that I've noticed. The Lightning have been in a few shootouts this season, and haven't done as well as people would think. The problem is that everyone shoots low on the goalies. The attempts that go in are usually a foot above the ice or higher. Frankly, for most goalies, from what I've seen 4-6 inches over their stick-side shoulder usually works, regardless of the move beforehand. Something to think about next time there's a shootout, anyways.

The teams seemed pretty evenly matched to me. There was some end to end stuff, but there was also a lot more neutral zone play going on. I haven't seen that much this season.

Passing was really sloppy, tho. Pucks were going behind guys, too far in front of guys, and bouncing off of sticks and skates. I'm not sure if that was because of the Canadiens' positioning or bad ice or what.

Artykhin continued on his tear. And Smith had a good game. But you have to feel for St. Louis, tho. His face has become a magnet for all kinds of things - skates, sticks, puck, you name it. It might just be safer for him if he wore a cage for the rest of the season, the way things have been going for him.

Speaking of St. Louis, congratulations on his 300th career assist last night.

And what's up with the third jerseys? Have they become their new home uniforms? When was the last time they used their regular home black ones, anyways? November?

They might've broken their 3-game winning streak, but they still was a good effort. It was a good game, and there were fewer mistakes than before - and you can't complain about that. (Okay, you can always complain, but you know what I mean.) Hopefully they'll manage to get back to their winning ways next game.

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