NEW YORK — Tyler Johnson scored the first hat trick in Lightning playoff history, and Tampa Bay got its high-scoring offense in gear and evened the Eastern Conference finals with a 6-2 victory over the stumbling New York Rangers on Monday night.
Alex Killorn added two goals and Steven Stamkos had one and the Lightning bounced back from Saturday’s crushing late loss and made the Presidents’ Trophy winners pay for every slip, penalty and mistake.
Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan scored for the Rangers in a wide-open, penalty-filled matchup that ended New York’s run of playing in 15 straight playoff games decided by one goal.
Henrik Lundqvist, who gave up at least five goals in two of three regular-season games against Tampa Bay this season, gave up six on just 26 shots.
The series shifts to Florida for games on Wednesday and Friday.
Thumbnail photo via Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports Images
