There are some losses that you feel better about than others. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres was one of them. Compared to the defensive performance over the weekend in losses to Detroit and Ottawa, the team’s play in Buffalo was light years ahead. For much of the night, the Lightning showed signs of the type of team they want to be this season.
Jonas Johansson has a solid game, stopping 28 of 31 shots while Brandon Hagel scored twice. Anthony Cirelli added two assists. After struggling a bit in his first two starts, Sabres’ goaltender Devon Levi was excellent as he denied 21 of the Lightning’s 23 shots.