TAMPA, Fla. _ The Lightning lost a coach's challenge, then lost the game 4-3 to Winnipeg.
That might be an oversimplification; there were opportunities to score and rally. But the Lightning went from tied 1-1 to trailing the Jets by two goals in a span of 21 seconds due to a failed challenge.
Coach Jon Cooper challenged the Jets' second goal on the basis of a missed stoppage due to a high stick 18 seconds before the goal. The NHL ruled "Nikolaj Ehlers' stick was not above the normal height of his shoulders when he contacted the puck." New this season, a failed challenge results in a delay-of-game penalty.
Ehlers scored 21 seconds into the ensuing power play, giving Winnipeg the two-goal lead.
That shifted momentum, but wasn't nearly a death blow. With more than half of the game remaining, the Lightning had their chances.
Steven Stamkos brought the Lightning within one with his 400th career goal with 2:16 to play. The Lightning had an empty net and an extra skater when Hedman fed Stamkos the puck. The captain landed a one-timer from the top of the circle.
The Jets followed with an empty-netter, but Anthony Cirelli gave the Lightning another chance (though a long shot). He scored on a rebound with 22.8 seconds left, making it a one-goal game. Time expired, however, before they could get another.
