TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning were relentless, answering every challenge from the New York Rangers before taking control of the Eastern Conference finals on Nikita Kucherov’s overtime goal.
Kucherov delivered his second winner of the playoffs 3:33 into the extra period Wednesday night, giving his team a 6-5 victory and 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series that continues Friday night at Amalie Arena.
The 21-year-old Russian, part of the high-scoring Triplets line that is leading Tampa Bay’s playoff run, also gave the Lightning a win in double overtime at Montreal in the second round.
Linemate Ondrej Palat had two goals and an assist, and Tyler Johnson — the other triplet — had his playoff-leading 12th goal, as well as an assist.
“They’ve impressed me for a long time, and now they’re impressing the world,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “It’s fun to watch.”
Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn each had one goal and an assist for Tampa Bay. The Lightning overcame an early 2-0 deficit and won despite also squandering a two-goal lead to the resilient Rangers.
New York tied it at 5 on Dan Boyle’s rebound with 1:56 left in regulation. Jesper Fast scored twice, and the Rangers also got power-play goals from Derick Brassard and Ryan McDonagh.
“It was deflating, but at the same time … we felt like we deserved the game,” Johnson said about losing the lead late in regulation.
Bishop finished with 23 saves for Tampa Bay. Lundqvist stopped 34 of 40 shots, giving up six goals for the second straight game.
“I just need to be more consistent,” Lundqvist said. “Challenge the shooter.”
Thumbnail photo via Reinhold Matay/USA TODAY Sports Images
