Target on Richards

Given the series that Richards has had, it looks like the Devils are looking to rattle him in the early moments of this game. Patrik Elias was just given the gate for a hit on Richards. It was questionable. Still, obviously, Richards is a battle-tested player, but he made a couple mistakes in the games opening minutes and New Jersey has bitten on it.

The Lightning didn't retaliate, only giving Elias a slight nudge from behind. A little scrum opened near the net, but its looks like Tampa Bay has heeded Torts' advice that you're no good to your team in the penalty box.