NHL Traverse City Prospects Tournament: Lightning Strike Redwings in 4-3 Win

The Tampa Bay Lightning prospects took home their first win of the tournament Sunday when they outlasted the Detroit Redwings in an exciting 4-3 shootout win.

The Lightning struck first when Richard Panik tapped in a pass from James Wright on a two-on-one, 4:23 into the first period.

The Wings quickly responded though when right wing Willie Coetzee slid a backhander under the pads of Lightning goaltender Jaroslav Janus about a minute and a half later. That would be the final marker of the period, leaving the score 1-1 and the shots favouring Detriot 11-8 going into the second.

The Lightning jumped straight into action once again in the second when Dana Tyrell knocked in a rebound 3:09 into the period. They struck again when Wright fired a wrist shot right over Detroit goalie Jordan Pearce's glove.

After Wright's marker, both teams did everything but score. The Lightning encountered some bad luck when they had a few shots ring off the posts, while Janus stood his ground didn't allow a goal all period.

The Lightning were in an unfortunate position when they started the third, as they had a 1:51 five-on-three disadvantage to kill. They couldn't make it out unscathed, as Detroit's Tomas Tatar bashed in a rebound for a power play goal at 2:47 of the third period.

Less than a minute later, Detroit potted another goal when Trevor Parkes capitalized on a two-on-one break to tie the score 3-3.

Parkes' goal would prove to be the last of regulation, with the game headed to a five minute overtime. After that solved nothing, the teams moved on to a shootout. 

The shootout lasted longer than normal, continuing for a whole 16 rounds. Matt Butcher notched the game-winner, saving his team from venturing further into trouble. The final shot total was 43-31 in favour of Detroit.

The Lightning's final game will be on Tuesday, September 14 at 3 p.m., ET against the Dallas Stars.

MY THREE STARS:

1. James Wright - Wright stood out on the night, while tallying a goal and an assist.

2. Tomas Tatar - Tatar also scored a goal and an assist.

3. Matt Butcher - Butcher saved the day, scoring the game-winning shootout goal.

This article and more can also be found at Sports Haze.

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