Scoring Summary
1st Period
None
0 - 0
2nd Period
TB Tom Pyatt 9 (PP) (Victor Hedman, Brett Connolly) 3:24
EDM Linus Omark 3 (Ryan Whitney, Ryan Smyth) 9:57
TB Tom Pyatt 10 (J.T. Wyman, Tim Wallace) 18:18
3rd Period
EDM Ladislav Smid 4 (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Sam Gagner) 16:13
OT Period
None
Penalty Summary
1st Period
16:34 Edmonton high-sticking - 2 min R. Smyth drawn by T. Pyatt
2nd Period
1:46 Edmonton hooking - 2 min R. Smyth drawn by J. Wyman
5:26 Tampa Bay tripping - 2 min B. Mikkelson drawn by L. Omark
11:13 Edmonton hooking - 2 min A. Sutton drawn by M. St. Louis
3rd Period
None
OT Period
3:00 Edmonton tripping - 2 min J. Petry drawn by S. Stamkos
Shootout
TB Tom Pyatt shootout saved
EDM Jordan Eberle shootout saved
TB Ryan Malone shootout miss
EDM Sam Gagner shootout goal
TB Steven Stamkos shootout goal
EDM Linus Omark shootout saved
TB Martin St. Louis shootout goal
EDM Ales Hemsky shootout goal
TB Victor Hedman shootout miss
EDM Teemu Hartikainen shootout saved
TB Teddy Purcell shootout goal
EDM Ryan Smyth shootout miss
Shots On Goal - Oilers 36 Lightning 21
Game Notes:
- In what started out as a slow, lethargic hockey game, turned into a game with an exciting finish. The Oilers played well tonight, once again, even though they fell short. The Oilers dominted the play on the shot clock but were thwarted by an old face in Dwayne Roloson. Roloson brought the alley cat tonight, in what was likely his final hurrah against his old club. Ales Hemsky was flying tonight, but didn't get the results, other than a shootout goal. Linus Omark had himself a nice game as well, with a goal in limited time. Tom Renney has finally got this team playing like they should, the pieces may be a little miscast (ie. Omark a grinder, Gagner a two-way C), but they are playing a style thats needed to win hockey games consistantly in the NHL. Tonight they were just beat by great goaltending. If the Oilers had played more games like they did tonight, maybe the playoffs wouldn't be so far away. The much maligned vets are starting to play better. Horcoff, Smyth, Belanger, Jones, those players are playing a gritty, heady style of play thats keeping the other team at bay while the Oilers' skilled players try to manufacture offense. The Oilers defense did an excellent job of keeping things to the outside and keeping sticks in passing lanes. They really limited Tampa Bay's skilled players. As the games wind down this season, its important that the Oilers are playing hockey the right way going into next season. Role definition is key at this time. Every player needs to buy into their roles even if there is a different bench boss next year. The turnover of the team will likely be limited this year, so the buy-in needs to happen right now.
Player of the Game:
- Ladislav Smid. Lots to choose from tonight. Omark and Hemsky were in full dangle mode, the defense as a whole played efficiently, but I'm going with Smid tonight. Smid scored the tying goal that sent the game to overtime, played a big part on a penalty kill in overtime that limited the Lightning to outside shots. Smid has been my biggest surprise this year in how far he has come along. I had him as potential trade bait in the summer. Now he has solidified himself as a top 4 Dman for years to come. Got rid of the "poser" label and now just plays tough, honest hockey.
Goat of the Game:
- Jordan Eberle. Hate to give him the GOTG for the 2nd game in a row, but Eberle seems to have hit a down cycle. Doesn't have a lot of energy in his game. Had only one shot again tonight in over 20 minutes of action. Was a team worst -1 on the night, tied with Potter and Jones in that statistic. He may be adjusting to an increase of icetime and his body hasn't caught up yet. I'm sure its just a lull that scorers go through during the course of a season. He's had a solid season and for my money is the team's MVP. In a game like tonight the Oilers could have used one more goal from someone.
Next Game - Friday March 23, 2012 vs. Panthers @ Florida on Sportnet West 5:30 PM MT.
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