Despite the fact that they lost this game by three goals, the Lightning didn’t play badly. They recorded 35 shots on net and generated numerous scoring chances. But Florida goalie Roberto Luongo was a difference-maker in this one – his stellar goaltending held the Lightning to only two goals. At the other end, the Panthers were much more efficient at converting on their scoring chances. When the opposing goalie is on his game the way Luongo was and the other team converts on enough of its chances, the result is often going to be a loss.
The Bolts netted the game’s first goal when Tyler Johnson’s left circle shot got past a screened Luongo during a first period Lightning power play.