TAMPA, Fla. — The Detroit Red Wings managed to keep it close as they took on the best team in the NHL.
Facing off against the playoff-clinched Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday at Amalie Arena, the Wings fell behind early but didn’t collapse. The Wings lost for the 14th straight time to the Lightning, but the 3-2 final will at least help the Wings’ draft lottery odds.
Thomas Vanek pulled the Wings within a goal late in the second period when he tipped Niklas Kronwall shot. Jonathan Bernier stoned Yannick Gourde twice during a Tampa Bay’s third power play, that was among several stellar saves Bernier made in the third period.