Garrison gets Offensive

Jason Garrison scores two goals including the electrifying 3 on 3 OT winner. (photo by Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports)

With the offensive firepower of the Tampa Bay Lightning back on the ice, they were able to notch their first win of the season at home in the Amalie Arena. The fast forwards managed to get off 32 shots in their home opener to beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2.  It was the most exciting 3 on 3 live hockey I’ve yet to witness. It was also the first 3 on 3 overtime in NHL history.

The open ice created quite the frenzy and brought the fans to their feet for the remaining 2:17 seconds! The trio of Valterri Filipula, Jason Garrison and Alex Killorn  got to display their offensive expertise to take the Lightning ahead for victory! With the puck in the Lightning zone, Valterri Filipula with a display of grit and determination  while grinding along the boards without his stick, kicked a pass  to his line mate Alex Killorn. That play left you wondering,  “Hey this guy (Filipula) has played some hall locker room soccer.”Jason Garrison then took a pass from Killorn, springing Garrison to a break away.   The lanky defenseman put some moves on Flyers goalie Steve Mason to light the lamp for victory and sending the sell-out Lightning crowd into delirium.

The entire matchup was eventful.  Two penalty shots, six penalties with both teams scoring a goal on a power play and some spectacular saves by Ben Bishop.  Bishop blocked 23 of the 25 shots he faced which made the Lightning fans realize that this is going to be another exciting season of hockey from their beloved Bolts!

Jonathan Drouin had 2 assists and notched two points to debut his return.Teammates Valterri Filipula, Alex Killorn and Ryan Callahan also had 1 assist with Ryan Callahan also scoring a goal. The number one star was Jason Garrison. Wait, is he a defenseman? He had 2 goals,  the second one being the game winner.

Yes Lightning fans, get ready to be the Thunder.

The Lightning take the show on the road to face the Sabres for a Saturday matinee in Buffalo, and then to Boston for the Bruins on Monday and on to Detroit for the Red Wings on Tuesday. The Bolts  return back to the Arena affectionately called “The Oil Can” here at Rocket Sports & Entertainment on October 15 for a match-up with the Dallas Stars.

Thank you Tampa Bay Lightning. Your performance was everything it was expected to be and more! #justsaying