It was another big night in the NHL on Monday as some of the sides at the top of all the conferences came up against considerable opponents. The Tampa Bay Lightning were looking to continue their excellent unbeaten record as they played against the Colorado Avalanche, while the Washington Capitals were looking to get back to winning ways against the Vegas Golden Knights. There was also a thrilling encounter between the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks.
Lightning Continue Excellent Run
The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking like Stanley Cup champions at present. Going into their game in Colorado against the Avalanche, they had won their last ten, including a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. This meant that they had the best record in the NHL. They continued that run with an eleventh straight success against the Avalanche as they claimed a 4-3 win after overtime.
The hosts went ahead in the opening period before the Lightning came fighting back into the game in the second period by scoring three times. The Avalanche also found the net in that period, and they went on to score the only goal in the third period. However, there was no denying the Lightning, as they scored the only goal in overtime.
Cameron Gaunce, Alex Killorn, Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos scored the goals for the travelling Lightning, who are now just one point behind the Boston Bruins at the top of the Atlantic Division.
Capitals Beaten Again
The Washington Capitals are stuck in a bit of a rut at the minute, as they lost for the second time in as many games. Their defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night has opened the door for the Pittsburgh Penguins to go top of the Metropolitan Division.
Vegas started the stronger of the two sides and were ahead 2-0 after the opening period. The Golden Knights added the third in the second period before the Capitals attempted to come back into the game in the final frame. However, the Capitals could only score twice in that final frame, which meant that they were condemned to another defeat.
Nick Holden, Max Pacioretty and Reilly Smith scored the goals for the Golden Knights, as they continue to put pressure on the Edmonton Oilers at the top of the Pacific Division. The Capitals will be looking to end their terrible run when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday evening.
Flames And Ducks Play Out NHL Classic
There were ten goals to enjoy for the fans in attendance at the Flames game against the Ducks on Monday night. After a goalless opening period, the game burst into life in the second period with the Ducks taking a 2-1 lead. However, the final frame saw seven goals, with Calgary scoring five of them to make sure they ran out 6-4 winners on the evening.
Andrew Mangiapane scored three goals in the win for the Flames, while Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett and Sean Monahan also found the net. The Flames will be looking to back it two wins on the bounce in the NHL on Friday night when they take on the Boston Bruins.
