Lightning bench top two lines in third period in loss to Washington

Posted Dec 7, 2009 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Dec 7, 2009 at 11:46 PM

Tonight, I thought was one of Vinny Lecavalier’s better games. He showed a hunger for the puck and a desire (and confidence) around the net through most of this game. But like the rest of the top two lines he didn’t see much of the ice in the third period.

Steven Stamkos, who has one point in his past five games, was held without a shot for the first time all season and played only 4:32 in the third period, none in the final seven minutes. Marty St. Louis, without a goal since Nov.21, played four minutes in the third period. Alex Tanguay, who hasn’t scored a goal since Nov.16, logged 3:18 of ice time in the third period and failed to register a shot on goal.

Jeff Halpern played 4:27 in the third period and Ryan Malone played 5:41

All but Malone were benched for the final seven minutes of the third period, and he only took a shift in the final minute.

Were they that bad tonight? Was it a message from Rick Tocchet?