Flash Points: Stanley Cup Final back to square one after Game 4
Four games down, and little is determined.
Four games down, and there's so much that remains unknown.
The Chicago Blackhawks evened the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece with a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night at the United Center. Winger Brandon Saad scored the decisive goal 6:22 into the third period, allowing the Blackhawks to earn a split at home before the series shifts back to Tampa for Game 5 on Saturday at Amalie Arena.
"You've just got to go into that locker room and turn the page," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said on the Sun Sports postgame show. "This is a seven-game series. If you would have sit here and said to me when this season started, 'It's going to be best two out of three for the Stanley Cup,' I would take that all day."
The presence of reserve goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy in net stood as the largest development for the Lightning. Starter Ben Bishop didn't play, continuing questions about his health. Bishop, who left Game 2 twice in the third period for an unknown reason, was a question to start Game 3. But he made 36 saves Monday night while fighting back pain on numerous occasions.
On Wednesday, Vasilevskiy made 17 saves. His start was somewhat of a surprise, considering Bishop handled himself fairly well in Game 3. Still, Vasilevskiy benefitted from a strong defensive effort in front of him. The Lightning held the Blackhawks to two shots in the first period. Then a quick answer from center Alex Killorn 11:47 into the second period eliminated the 1-0 lead for Chicago earned after center Jonathan Toews' goal 6:40 into the second.
"I can play better, for sure," Vasilevskiy told reporters in Chicago.
"The pressure is not something new. I was ready for pressure from fans and from players."
Eyes will continue to follow Bishop's situation. Although his health is uncertain, it would be little surprise to see him start Saturday. The extra rest could prove beneficial, and the Lightning may have chosen a cautious approach Wednesday to preserve his health for what will be a pivotal situation at Amalie Arena.
This much is clear: The Lightning will need Bishop again fast. After four games, so much stands before both teams.
"I thought we deserved a little better tonight," Lightning center Steven Stamkos told reporters in Chicago. "We played a pretty solid game. ... We had some quality looks at the end as well. We just couldn't find a way to put one in. I think we've got to be proud of the fact that we came in here and took a split."
THE TURNING POINT
Saad's goal gave the Blackhawks much-needed life. He allows them to return to Tampa without a daunting series deficit before them.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Toews scored his first goal of the series. He finished with four shots on goal.
STAT OF THE GAME
The Blackhawks held the advantage in faceoffs, 38-20. The Lightning must do better there.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lightning face the Blackhawks in Game 5 at 8 p.m. Saturday at Amalie Arena.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
