Flash Points: Triplets line helps Lightning grab series advantage
TAMPA, Fla. -- Johnny B. Good all right.
But the Tampa Bay Lightning are so much more.
Center Tyler Johnson scored his 12th goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the second period, matching Ruslan Fedotenko (2004) and Brad Richards (2004) for the most in postseason franchise history.
But the Lightning also received timely regulation scores from center Steven Stamkos (first period), Alex Killorn (second) and two from winger Ondrej Palat (second and third), before winger Nikita Kucherov produced the decisive goal in overtime to help Tampa Bay secure a 6-5 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday at Amalie Arena. With the win, the Lightning take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Lightning's three-goal flurry in the second period was impressive, considering that the Rangers grabbed an early 2-0 lead and left the first period ahead 2-1. Tampa Bay placed sustained pressure on goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who finished with 34 saves. Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop, meanwhile, closed with 23 stops.
Palat scored the decisive goal with 14:05 gone in the third period, breaking a 4-all tie.
The triplets line proved formidable once more Wednesday. It's hard to imagine where Tampa Bay would be without Johnson, Palat and winger Nikita Kucherov. Likely, the Lightning would never have survived the first-round series against Detroit without them. Since, they've continued to establish themselves as one of the NHL's most elite trios.
This result means the Rangers will face a pressure situation in Game 4 on Friday at Amalie Arena. A loss there would mean Tampa Bay would take a 3-1 series lead back to Madison Square Garden, with three chances to earn its first Stanley Cup Final berth since claiming their lone title in 2004.
THE TURNING POINT
Palat's third-period goal was the difference. It seems fitting since he has played such a large role in Johnson's postseason success.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
It's hard to pick anyone other than Palat. Johnson has received deserved praise throughout the postseason, but Palat made his mark on this game.
STAT OF THE GAME
The Lightning outshot the Rangers 38-26 in regulation. Their pressure was strong throughout the night.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lightning face the Rangers in Game 4 at 8 p.m. Friday at Amalie Arena.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
