Tampa Bay Lightning

Flash Points: Lightning rough up Red Wings to even series

Published Apr. 18, 2015 5:38 p.m. ET

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TAMPA, Fla. -- Their effort was similar, but the scoreboard showed something much different.

After losing Game 1 despite controlling most of the contest, the Tampa Bay Lightning dominated the Detroit Red Wings from the start Saturday in a 5-1 rout at Amalie Arena to even their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series at one game apiece.

The Lightning received two goals from center Tyler Johnson. Defenseman Andrej Sustr and centers Alex Killorn and Valtteri Filppula also added scores to blow out the Red Wings.

This was no must-win game for the Lightning, but the outcome should give them more comfort as the series prepares to shift to Detroit for Game 3 on Tuesday. For good reason, Tampa Bay didn't seem concerned after the Game 1 loss, when Detroit was outshot a ridiculous 46-14 on Thursday. Coach Jon Cooper's team showed why on this afternoon.

Again, the Lightning skated as the better team Saturday. They set the tone early with Killorn's first-period check on center Pavel Datsyuk, who had two goals in the Red Wings' Game 1 victory. The teams scuffled near Tampa Bay's bench afterward, shortly before Johnson opened scoring against goaltender Petr Mrazek 3:05 into the game.

Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop, for his part, had a solid recovery after he allowed three goals in Game 1. He finished with 23 saves Saturday, Detroit's lone goal coming on a deflection by winger Tomas Tatar 5:49 into the third period.

The result sets up an interesting situation with the series moving to the Motor City. Game 3 will determine control, with the Red Wings trying to recapture momentum on their home ice. The Lightning, meanwhile, will attempt to continue the spark found in Game 2.

THE TURNING POINT

Killorn's second-period goal to place the Lightning ahead 2-0 was the insurance they needed to even the series. Tampa Bay played well enough to preserve the win.

THE DIFFERENCE MAKER

Johnson can be relentless with the way he buzzes on the ice. His two goals helped propel the Lightning to an easy win.

STAT OF THE GAME

Bishop allowing just one goal was big for him. His recovery was strong after the Game 1 loss.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Lightning face the Red Wings in Game 3 at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena.

You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.

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