Flash Points: Lightning survive Game 7, advance to conference semifinals
TAMPA, Fla. -- On to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Despite the Detroit Red Wings serving as the aggressor most of Wednesday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning clinched the chance to advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 2-0 victory in Game 7 at Amalie Arena behind a goal from defenseman Braydon Coburn 3:58 into the third period. Center Alex Killorn and winger Ryan Callahan had assists on the play. Later, defenseman Anton Stralman had an empty-net goal with 18:22 gone in the third period to ice it.
Coburn's goal served as the decisive score in the decisive game of this Eastern Conference quarterfinals series, but the Red Wings had ample opportunities to tie or earn a lead of their own. Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop had 31 saves in what was his best game of the series.
This was the Lightning's first Game 7 since losing to the Boston Bruins 1-0 in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, and they were trying to overcome recent trends in this series that favored Detroit. Entering Wednesday, no team was able to win two consecutive games, and the road team had gone 4-2.
Most of the night, Detroit dictated pace. The Red Wings established pressure early, and they closed with a 14-7 shot advantage at the first period's end. The second period was more of the same, with Detroit holding a 23-12 shot edge before the start of the third period. Still, both teams had multiple scoring chances through the first two periods, but each goaltender stood strong.
As expected, Detroit goaltender Petr Mrazek was solid, despite allowing the decisive goal. He finished with 15 saves. Still, his effort wasn't enough to prolong the Red Wings' season.
The result brings a tight series to a close after many twists and turns. Following the Lightning's control in Games 1 and 2, who would have guessed that this series would have lasted seven games? Following Detroit's Game 5 rout in Tampa, who would have predicted that this series would come back to Amalie Arena for a Game 7?
This seemed like the appropriate way for this wild series to end.
THE TURNING POINT
Coburn's first goal of the playoffs came at an ideal time. He received a solid pass from Ryan Callahan that allowed the chance to happen.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
The Lightning couldn't have asked for much more from Bishop. His performance was the difference.
STAT OF THE GAME
The Lightning improved to 4-1 in Game 7 matchups throughout their history.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lightning face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 at 7 p.m. Friday at the Bell Centre.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
