Ondrej Palat Rescues the Tampa Bay Lightning
Oct 21, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) guards his net against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
After his turnover cost the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, Ondrej Palat made up for his mistake Tuesday as he scored the game-winner in overtime as the Bolts beat the Calgary Flames 2-1 on the second night of a back-to-back.
Palat found a rebound after Karri Ramo couldn’t hold on to Anton Stralman’s slap shot and swiftly deposited the puck with his backhand into the net with two minutes remaining in the extra frame.
The Lightning (4-2-1) were fortunate to even get a point as they struggled mightily in the offensive zone. They got a lifeline when Valtteri Filppula tied the game with just 2:16 left.
Again, Ramo couldn’t handle a slapper as he let Jason Garrison’s shot slip through his grasp for Filppula to tap home into an empty net. Jonathan Drouin picked up his first NHL point with a secondary assist on the goal.
The Lightning had nearly tied it moments before when Steven Stamkos’ shot came off the post after great work by Eric Brewer done the left side boards. They were also lucky not to be trailing 2-0 as Mason Raymond missed a glorious wide open chance as he hit the post after a terrible Lightning turnover left Raymond facing just Evgeni Nabokov.
Calgary (4-3-1) had taken a 1-0 lead 1:12 into the third as Dennis Wideman tapped in from close range on the power play after Johnny Gaudreau skated through the Lightning defense.
Nabokov made 21 saves to get his first win as a member of the Lightning while former Tampa net minder Ramo stopped 20 shots.
Drouin nearly had his first career NHL goal in overtime as Mark Barberio set-up a 2-on-0 opportunity for Stamkos and Drouin but the rookie couldn’t bury the puck off Stamkos’ feed as Ramo slid across the crease to make a sublime save.
Ryan Callahan, who is expected to be out for a few weeks after picking up an injury last night, was replaced in the line up by Mike Blunden.
Tampa Bay has the next two days off before facing Winnipeg Friday night.