NHL Game Night: 11-19-11 Devils at Lightning

Three goals down entering a third period is pretty much a death sentence in pro hockey.

NJ-4
TB-2

Dwayne Roloson allowed 4 goals on 24 shots for the loss, including a critical gaffe late in the game.

First Period
NO SCORING

Second Period
NJ Zubrus (5), (Carter), 1:09
NJ Elias (8), (Clarkson, Larsson)(PP), 6:05
NJ Clarkson (7), (Henrique, Kovalchuk)(PP), 17:44

Third Period
TB St. Louis (5), (Shannon, Kubina), 8:24
TB Shannon (1), (Downie, Brewer), 9:54
NJ Carter (2), (unassisted), 17:57

Ryan Shannon was the game's third star.

The game was essentially won/lost on special teams, and the back breaker was Clarkson's goal. You have to at least stay within 2 goals going into the third period to give yourself a chance at the pro level. Once you fall down by 3 or more, 99% of the time you're done for, no matter how valiant the comeback attempt.

Sad to see the third jerseys take a blemish on their record.

Brett Connolly had 2 hits and 1 blocked shot in 12:38.

Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.