The Lightning’s collapse in the third period turned a promising start into a lopsided defeat
A very disappointing loss for the Lightning. Not just because they started so well and could have put the game out of reach. But it was especially disappointing because they allowed their play to dip so substantially.
Yes, some bad bounces went against them (for the second home game in a row). But they played a part in Vancouver’s rally from a 2-0 deficit. The Lightning lost the special teams battle. They committed some costly turnovers. They failed to tie up sticks in front of their goalie. They allowed three crucial goals in a 1:40 span early in the third period that thoroughly changed the complexion of the game.
The first period, though, was a different story. The Lightning dominated play. They held Vancouver to just one shot on goal and only six total attempts. The Lightning produced several good scoring chances, but they were unable to solve Kevin Lankinen until the final minute of the frame. That’s when Nikita Kucherov’s right-circle one-timer beat Lankinen at the short side post.
Jake Guentzel’s deflection goal early in the second extended the Lightning’s lead. But then the tide began to turn. Tampa Bay took two penalties before the halfway mark of the frame, and the Canucks scored on the second of those to cut the deficit in half. Vancouver won the faceoff to begin the power play, and Elias Pettersson’s shot from the slot led to Jake DeBrusk’s rebound goal at 9:26.
The Lightning failed to score on two late second-period power plays. A goal on either one of them would have re-established a two-goal lead before the period ended. Instead, it stayed a 2-1 game after 40 minutes.
The Canucks tied it when they received an early third-period power play. Similar to their other PPG, they won the draw to begin the advantage and scored soon after. Brock Boeser delivered a shot-pass from the left circle that Kiefer Sherwood deflected in the slot. The puck then bounced off J.J. Moser at the side of the net and bounced in at 4:11.
On the next shift, the Lightning turned the puck over in the defensive zone. MacKenzie MacEachern backhanded the puck from the slot to the net, and Linus Karlsson tipped it in. Less than a minute later, Drew O’Connor deflected in a Quinn Hughes point shot, extending the lead to 4-2.
A goal from Charle-Edouard D’Astous was negated due to a Vancouver challenge for a missed stoppage—it was determined Guentzel knocked down a puck with a high stick to hold it in the offensive zone. Shortly thereafter, MacEachern tipped a shot that caromed off D’Astous and into the net. An empty-netter from Marcus Pettersson finished the scoring.
Certainly, the Canucks benefited from some fortuitous puck luck. But they also earned their luck by having a willingness to shoot and get bodies to the front of the net.
The Lightning hope to have some injured players back in the lineup this week, perhaps as soon as their next game on Tuesday against New Jersey.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
- Kevin Lankinen — Canucks. 28 saves.
- Quinn Hughes — Canucks. Four assists.
- Jake Guentzel — Lightning. Goal.
"DeAndre Hopkins Declares: ‘I’ve Got More Left to Prove — I’m Not Done Dominating!’
After years of establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most elite wide receivers, DeAndre Hopkins is far from satisfied. Despite numerous accolades, game-winning catches, and jaw-dropping performances, Hopkins believes he’s still got plenty more to give. In a bold declaration that has turned heads across the league, the veteran receiver made it clear that he’s not done yet.
“I’ve been in this game long enough to know how to dominate, and I’m not done yet. When it’s my time to make an impact, I’ll show the world why they call me ‘Nuk.’”
These words from Hopkins come at a time when many are beginning to wonder if the 30-year-old wideout has lost a step. But Hopkins isn’t having it. Instead, he is channeling the doubters into motivation, aiming to silence the critics and prove that he remains one of the best in the business.
The Legacy of ‘Nuk’
Hopkins, known for his incredible hands and precision route-running, has already made his mark on the NFL. From his time with the Houston Texans to his current role with the
Yet despite these achievements, Hopkins is still hungry for more. He isn’t content with the past — he’s laser-focused on the future. Even with the league’s younger talent rising, he’s determined to prove that he still belongs at the top of the receiver rankings.
“I’ve got more left to prove,” Hopkins emphasized. “I’m not done dominating. There’s so much more I want to accomplish, and I’ve got the drive to get it done.”
Rising Above the Critics
In an age of rapid evolution in the NFL, wide receivers are often judged based on their speed, athleticism, and ability to create separation. Hopkins may not have the same 4.3 speed as some of the league’s young guns, but his ability to make difficult catches and be a reliable target in clutch situations is unmatched.
As some critics start to question if his best years are behind him, Hopkins is taking it in stride. Rather than listening to the noise, he is using it to fuel his passion for proving that he can still dominate.
“I’ve been through ups and downs in my career, but the one thing I’ve always been able to do is make plays,” Hopkins stated. “I’m not focused on what people think about me now. I’m focused on what I can do on the field and proving that I’m still one of the best.”
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, Hopkins’ role in the Cardinals’ offense will be crucial to their playoff hopes. With the emergence of younger talent and increased competition for the spotlight, Hopkins has a chance to cement his legacy even further. His leadership, experience, and ability to perform in the clutch will be critical to the success of his team.
“I’m not finished yet,” Hopkins continued. “When it’s my time to make an impact, I’m going to show everyone exactly why they call me ‘Nuk.’ I’m going to keep putting in the work, keep grinding, and keep doing what I do best: dominating the field.”
For Hopkins, it’s not about what’s already been accomplished, but what’s yet to come. And if history is any indicator, the NFL is in for even more of the explosive, electrifying plays that have become synonymous with his name.
