Flash Points: Tyler Johnson ignites Lightning's comeback overtime victory
Back from the brink.
What looked like a certain loss for the Tampa Bay Lightning became an impressive rally Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa Bay topped the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in overtime, with the winning goal from center Tyler Johnson, after Johnson and winger Ondrej Palat scored 1:17 apart late in the third period to keep the Lightning's hopes alive.
The result evens up this best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinals series at two games apiece.
"Now it's a best-of-three," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said on the FOX Sports Florida postgame show. "And we like the fact that now we're going home to our fans, and it should be an unreal atmosphere in there."
The victory represents a needed lift for Tampa Bay with the series shifting back to Amalie Arena for Game 5. The Lightning regain home-ice advantage, and the comeback should serve as a large psychological boost.
Johnson and Palat, two of Tampa Bay's established young stars, came up big at the right time. Johnson beat goaltender Petr Mrazek 14:34 into the third period, and shortly after, Palat followed on a slick pass from Johnson to tie the score in regulation. Then in overtime, Johnson scored with assists by Palat and defenseman Victor Hedman 2:25 into the extra period.
What's next? Well, the Lightning have to be optimistic after nearly facing a stiff blow to their hopes of surviving in the playoffs. For most of Thursday, Tampa Bay wasn't sharp. For most of Thursday, Detroit asserted itself as the superior team.
"We never give up," Palat said on the FOX Sports Florida postgame show. "We just talked about that we needed to score the first goal. ... Then we did it. We were confident going into OT, and we scored."
With Johnson at the center of it all, the Lightning answered when they needed the response the most. His confidence remained strong.
"We just kept on plugging away and kept going," Johnson said on the FOX Sports Florida postgame show. "Luckily for us, it came out in our favor."
For a while, they were left for dead. But after a wild and memorable night, they leave Detroit with needed life.
THE TURNING POINT
Palat's goal late in the third period capped an impressive run that tied the score in regulation. Before then, the Red Wings were the dominant team.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Johnson has been Tampa Bay's best player in the postseason. He showed why again Thursday.
STAT OF THE GAME
Has Johnson scored two bigger goals in his NHL career? Probably not.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lightning face the Red Wings in Game 5 on Saturday at Amalie Arena. Time is TBA.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
