Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins: 3 Takeaways From Game 2

The Tampa Bay Lightning bounced back from a weak Game 1 performance to beat the Boston Bruins 4-2 in Game 2

In Game 1, the Tampa Bay Lightning appeared to be too well-rested. They lost to the Boston Bruins 6-2 at home. However, the Bolts didn’t get where they are without being able to bounce back. That’s precisely what they did, with a 4-2 win over the Bruins on Monday.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Lightning avoided falling down 2-0 in the series. While it’s not ideal for them to split the first two games, Tampa Bay has to be happy with their effort in Game 2. Here are three takeaways from Monday’s win.

1. Rasky Business

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The Boston Bruins have a goaltending problem, whether they want to admit it or not. At times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tuukka Rask has been brilliant. But he has also had some significant lapses of judgment. Rask was very good in Game 1. But in Game 2, the bad version of him reared its ugly head.

On paper, Rask stopped 27 of the 30 shots on goal he saw. Which isn’t awful, but it’s not good either. The big concern is he allowed two goals he’d love to have back. Rask has been allowing a bit too many of those as of late.

Now, the Bruins are nowhere close to “bench Rask” territory. But it’s something Bruins fans should keep an eye on. Especially since Anton Khudobin has been excellent for Boston as Rask’s backup.

2. Not Missing The Point

Plus-minus is a silly stat. But let’s face it, Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning had a horrible Game 1, finishing with a plus-minus rating of -5. It’s hard to win when you allow (at least) five goals. Point is an extremely mature player for his age. He showed that in Game 2 by picking up his first career four-point game with three assists, and fittingly, an empty net goal at the end.

Point is extremely critical to the success of the Lightning. Especially since their first forward line of Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and J.T. Miller went a second straight game without any points. Point’s line, featuring Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat, has to continue to produce like they did in Game 2.

3. Consistently Inconsistent Refs

Game 2 featured some pretty awful moments from the referees. And this hasn’t just been an issue with the Lightning and Bruins. All over the playoffs, refs are being consistent. But it’s not at something good. They’re consistently inconsistent.

Next: Final Second Round Predictions

Brad Marchand got slashed in the hand during a critical breakaway and should have gotten a penalty shot. But one wasn’t given. OK, maybe Marchand has lost all of his credibility with referees. However, try to explain why Dan Girardi didn’t get a penalty for hitting David Pastrnak into the boards from behind. To call the borderline stuff but not the obvious penalties is frustrating for fans.

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