The Tampa Bay Lightning came into Thursday night's game with the Washington Capitals hoping to make a statement. Unfortunately, that statement hit the post in what became a theme for the Lightning in a 6-3 defeat at Verizon Center.
The Lightning got off to a quick start when Teddy Purcell scored his second goal of the year during the first period to give the Lightning a 1-0 lead. The Bolts played a strong road first period, out-shooting the Capitals by a 13-8 margin. Tampa Bay deserved a better fate in the first, as they also connected with a post and a crossbar before heading to the intermission.
In the second, the Capitals responded and took control of the pace of play; they were also able to cash in on the scoreboard, as Tom Poti backhanded a rebound home for his first goal of the year at 2:21 to tie the score. Mike Knuble gave the Capitals the lead at 7:51 of the second on a weird play that saw the puck deflect multiple times before finding Knuble's stick, as he was behind the goal line, and backhanded the puck past Lightning goalie Dan Ellis, who was out of position.
This article appears in Nov 11-17, 2010.