Jake Sanderson delivered a standout performance, scoring twice to record the first multi-goal game of his NHL career and setting a new personal best with 13 goals this season. Recently back in the lineup after missing 13 games due to an upper-body injury, the defenseman emphasized how important it was to stay composed against a talented opponent and take advantage of scoring opportunities when they appeared.
Ottawa head coach Travis Green praised Sanderson’s development, highlighting his preparation, passion for the game, and steady improvement. Despite still regaining full form, Sanderson’s impact was evident, reinforcing his importance to the team.
Tim Stutzle also played a key role, contributing a goal and two assists, while Brady Tkachuk orchestrated the offense with four helpers. Additional goals from Jordan Spence and Fabian Zetterlund rounded out a balanced attack, supported by Linus Ullmark’s 28-save effort in net.
The victory continues a strong stretch for Ottawa, which has now won three of its last four games and holds a narrow edge in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
An explosive third period turns the game
After a tightly contested opening, Ottawa broke the game open with five goals in the third period. Spence initially gave the home side a first-period lead with a well-placed wrist shot, but Tampa Bay responded late in the frame when Nick Paul capitalized on a deflection in front.
Zetterlund restored Ottawa’s advantage early in the third with a fortunate deflection, and Sanderson followed shortly after by navigating around a defender before finishing from close range. Tampa Bay briefly cut the deficit to one when Corey Perry redirected a pass past Ullmark, but that momentum was short-lived.
Stutzle extended the lead on the power play during a scramble in front, a goal that stood after a video review. Moments later, Sanderson struck again with a quick deke finish just seconds into another man advantage, catching the opposition off guard.
Shane Pinto sealed the outcome with a short-handed empty-net goal, capping a dominant period that ultimately decided the contest.
Lightning struggle as playoff race tightens
Tampa Bay, despite being among the top teams in the standings, has now dropped three of its last five games. Coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the urgency displayed by Ottawa, contrasting it with his own team’s recent inconsistency, stressing the need for improvement before the playoffs begin.
Paul echoed that sentiment, noting that the team has the capability to win regularly but failed to execute, particularly in the decisive third period. Perry also pointed to breakdowns such as odd-man rushes and overcomplicating plays as factors that allowed Ottawa to pull away.
Although the Lightning remain tied in points with Buffalo and Montreal, their position at the top of the standings hinges on tiebreakers. With only a few games remaining, the focus now shifts to regaining form ahead of the postseason.
Meanwhile, Ottawa continues to build confidence at a critical stage of the season, with players emphasizing growth, learning, and readiness for the important games still to come.