Lightning “Dom” inate Senators win 5-2, Playoffs in Reach

Tampa, Fl. (RSEN) The Tampa Bay Lightning built on their solid effort on Saturday night against Carolina with another victory against the Ottawa Senators 5-2 tonight at the St Pete Times Forum.

Marty St Louis showed why he is a former Hart Trophy winner as MVP of the league as he tallied two goals and line-mate Simon Gagne assisted on both St Louis goals, as he is rounding into form as the playoffs approach. 

Rocket Sports & Entertainment favorite Dominic “Resonate” Moore was not to be out done tonight, as he also scored two goals and added an assist for three points on the night.  The goals were his 16^th and 17^th of the season, this is the kind of secondary scoring this team has gotten all season long when it’s had success. 

“This is a game that gives the entire team confidence.  We played real well in tonight against a team that played hard and never quit.” Moore said after the game.

The team is finally beginning to raise their effort level as the playoffs get closer. They came out in the second and dominated the Senators scoring two goals in the period.

Boucher talked about how his team played the last couple of games, “This is the way we have to play, and we got rid of all the fluff around the edges and played hard.  We got back to our work ethic tonight and last game against Carolina.”

Steven Stamkos played one of his best all-around games in about a month.  He skated more freely and appeared to be out there just playing.  He had 8 shots on net tonight and was finally rewarded with an empty net goal at the end of the game to score his 44^thgoal of the season.  Hopefully this will jump start Stamkos heading into the playoffs.

With the Lightning in the lead it was time for Dwayne Roloson to take over the rest of the game as the Lightning net-minder was very solid in net today, making all the saves you expect and some highlight reel saves as well.

Senators forward Jason Spezza, scored his 17^thgoal of the season, which spoiled the shutout bid for Roloson as he scored in the third period to cut the Bolts lead.  The goal was review as it was Spezza’s heel then headed into the goal.  Spezza’s stick apparently grazed the puck on it way across the red goal line.

The Bolts again still have work to do before the playoffs as they gave up another shorthanded goal tonight as Milan Michalek scored his 17^thof the season.  Boucher has been really frustrated with this part of the specialty teams this season.    

Roloson earned the win tonight as he stopped 31 of 33 shots faced, as it was apparent early on in the game that Roli was going to be on his game.   He commanded his crease attacking the puck as it was shot at him; it’s going to be very important for the Bolts that their veteran goaltender round into form as they start to get ready for the playoffs.

The team could have clinched a spot tonight but Carolina earned two points against Washington in a shootout to extend things for another game for the Lightning. 

The team will have to wait until Thursday to pop the champagne at the St Pete Time Forum in a playoff preview against probable first round opponent Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30pm.