Radko Gudas skates during the match up between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Thursday, December 12, 2013.Photo Credit: Tasha N. Meares

If you missed last night’s game between our Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes, then you missed the best offensive effort that the Lightning has put forth the entire season.

To be completely honest with you, had it not been for the spectacular performance by Hurricanes goaltender Justin Peters, I have a strong feel this game may have ended quite differently; as in the Bolts may have scored 5-10 goals.

The Tampa Bay Lightning set a new season high with the amount of Shots on Goal they put on net on Saturday. Lightning fans spent a majority of this game on the edge of their seats as the Lightning outshot the Carolina Hurricanes 50-27. Yes, ladies and gentlemen…fifty shots on goal.

Just under halfway through the third period, Captain Martin St. Louis would redirect a shot from Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman that would tie the game. There would be a lot of back and forth between the two teams. The Lightning would add 17 shots on goal to their tally in the third frame. Neither side would be able to capitalize on their opportunities, and at the sound of the buzzer, this game would be headed to overtime.

Each team got one shot on goal during the extra frame, but it would be the shot by the Lightning that would make all the difference.

Just under halfway through the overtime period, Lightning center Nate Thompson would put his stick on the puck, moving it up the ice. Once given the opportunity, he would pass the puck to defenseman Radko Gudas. Without missing a beat, Gudas would move the puck into the offensive zone, set up his shot, and fire.

The shot would sail past Peters and right into the back of the net. The Tampa Bay Lightning would defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in overtime, extending their winning streak to four.

Here is a look at the play that sent Bolts fans flying from their seats, and let the Thunder roll.

What did you think of Gudas’ big play to end the game? What do you think the Lightning need to take from this game in order to keep the momentum moving as they head into Sunrise on Monday? Let us know in the comments below.

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