Bolts strike Flyers in OT

It was a very bizarre night in the world of sports.

The Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t seem to want to attack the Flyers. They stayed back and wouldn’t attack them in their own zone.

Unfortunately the tactic didn’t result in a win as the Lightning won 2-1 in overtime with Brent Connolly scoring the game-clinching goal.

At many points during the first period, the Flyers waited for the Lightning to begin a forecheck but it didn’t happen. They even held the puck for 45 seconds at a time in their own end.

The Flyers did strike first when Scott Hartnell redirected a Jakub Voracek one-timed slap shot on the power play.

The Lightning did finally answer in the third period in a similar situation. Marc-Andre Bergeron slapped home a power-play goal to tie the game at 1.

Both goalies played well in limited action.

Sure the game was tactical but it’s not the type of game that the fans want to see. It’ll be interesting to see if the league allows this type of hockey to continue.

The Flyers are back on the ice on Sunday when they face the Florida Panthers at 5 p.m.

Game Preview: Flyers vs. Lightning

PHI: 8-4 (2nd in Atlantic)
TB: 7-5 (3rd in Southeast)
Where: Wells Fargo Center
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. on VS
Last time met: February 15, 2011 – The Flyers edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in a shootout. James van Riemsdyk led the Flyers with a goal and an assist. Defenseman Kimmo Timonen scored the winning goal in the shootout. Teddy Purcell, Vincent Lecavalier, and Dominic Moore scored second period goals for the Lightning. Brian Boucher stopped 24 of 27 shots for the Flyers.

Probable Goalies – Ilya Bryzgalov (6-4-1, 2.94 GAA) vs. Dwayne Roloson (4-3-1, 3.31 GAA)

Opposing player to watch – C Steven Stamkos: Stamkos is one of the top players in the league no question. He is an absolute sniper and can make any goaltender look average. He has pinpoint accuracy and is someone that has to be watched at all times for the dreaded one-timer. The Canadian center leads the Lightning in both goals and points. Simply put, Stamkos is one of the most exciting players in the NHL to watch. Good thing Chris Pronger is back tonight: visor and all.