Flash Points: Triplets come through to even series for Lightning
TAMPA, Fla. -- After two games, the Stanley Cup Final stands even.
For the Tampa Bay Lightning, their victory Saturday was triple the pleasure.
The Lightning's famed "Triplets" line scored twice in a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 2 on Saturday night at Amalie Arena. Winger Nikita Kucherov and center Tyler Johnson produced second-period goals, plus defenseman Jason Garrison scored in the third to lift Tampa Bay to the victory.
The result was a needed one for the Lightning. They faced the prospect for traveling to Chicago for Game 3 down 2-0, which would have been a precarious position for them. Ten of the 12 road teams that have swept the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final have gone on to win the title.
The Lightning received a solid effort from goaltender Ben Bishop, who made 21 saves before leaving twice in the third period before finally being replaced by reserve Andrei Vasilevskiy for good. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford, meanwhile, closed with 20 stops.
Chicago received goals from center Andrew Shaw (second period), winger Teuvo Teravainen (second) and defenseman Brent Seabrook (third).
They weren't enough, though. With the outcome, Tampa Bay continues its Game 2 dominance in this postseason. The Lightning entered 3-0 in Game 2 matchups in the current Stanley Cup Playoffs, outscoring opponents 17-5 in the process.
Tampa Bay will jet to Chicago knowing little has been decided after two games.
THE TURNING POINT
Garrison's goal 8:49 into in the third period was the big one. Before then, the result was in doubt.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Credit Johnson and Kucherov for igniting the Lightning's best line. In Game 1, Johnson, Kucherov and Ondrej Palat combined for just two shots on goal.
STAT OF THE GAME
Johnson set a Lightning franchise record with his 13th goal of the postseason. Brad Richards and Ruslan Fedotenko had 12 in 2004.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lightning face the Blackhawks in Game 3 at 8 p.m. Monday at the United Center.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
