Pat Maroon’s return to the place where he won two Stanley Cups did not go to plan as the Lightning pulled away late in a 7-3 win over the Wild.
Joel Eriksson Ek got Minnesota on the scoreboard first with his 18th goal of the season, but the lead was short-lived. Tampa’s Victor Hedman scored just 1 minute, 11 seconds later to tie up the game.
Both teams finished the first period with 12 shots, but crucially for Tampa it was in the midst of a power play as the period ended. The Lightning showed off their league-best power-play unit, going a perfect 3 for 3 Thursday night. Anthony Cirelli opened the second period, scoring just 16 seconds in to give Tampa a lead it wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the night.
Waltteri Merela added the Lightning’s third goal just three minutes later. Wild head coach John Hynes, displeased with what he was seeing, called a timeout to reset his team, but the Wild gave up an immediate chance — it was saved — right out of the faceoff.
Marco Rossi brought the Wild back within one with his 13th goal of the season at the 10:51 mark, but Brayden Point returned the two-goal lead just 1:49 later to make it 4-2.
Defenseman Jake Middleton scored with just 16 seconds left in the period to draw the Wild back within one heading into the final period. Again Minnesota ended the period in a penalty kill due to a high sticking in the final second by Marcus Johansson.
Steven Stamkos capitalized just 1:09 into the third period with a power-play goal that went off Brock Faber’s arm. Just under six minutes later, Tampa scored to make it 6-3 off Michael Eyssimont’s power-play goal.
Cirelli scored with under three minutes left to give the Lightning a 7-3 lead en route to their fourth straight win.
Middsy so smooth with it 😮💨#mnwild pic.twitter.com/yLQ08FiB5H
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 19, 2024
Next up: Friday night at Florida Panthers, puck drop at 6 p.m.
