Coming off a dramatic Game 5 win in New York, the Tampa Bay Lightning were feeling good entering a potential series clinching Game 6 on home ice. They showed that, dominating the New York Rangers for long stretches in a 2-1 win that sends them to their third straight Stanley Cup Final.
Game Recap
The Lightning started this game on a mission. They spent most of their time in the offensive zone, peppering Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Despite the relentless pressure, Shesterkin was sharp in keeping the game scoreless through 20 minutes.
Entering the second period on even footing, the Lightning knew the first goal could be huge. The Rangers came out playing better than they did in the opening 20, so the Lightning had to weather what pressure they had. They did, and it finally paid off.
Captain Steven Stamkos sped up the right side before ripping a sharp angle shot past Shesterkin for the game opening goal about 10 minutes into the middle frame.
That stood up until the final 10 minutes of the final period.
Stamkos was penalized for holding Alexis Lafreniere. The penalty kill couldn’t get the job done, with trade deadline acquisition Frank Vatrano tying things at one.
21 seconds later, the Lightning struck back. Fresh out of the box, Stamkos took a perfect pass from Nikita Kucherov and shot it on net. Shesterkin made the first save, but the puck deflected off the captain’s leg and behind the Rangers netminder. That made it 2-1 and the Bolts could smell a third straight Stanley Cup Final berth.
Game Notes
- The Lightning have won 11 straight playoff series, third in league history behind only the 80’s New York Islanders and 70’s Montreal Canadiens.
- Tampa Bay is the first team since the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980’s to make three straight Stanley Cup Finals.
- With Saturday nights victory, the Bolts have set a franchise record by winning seven straight playoff games at Amalie Arena.
Next Up
With the Eastern Conference championship clinched, the Lightning will enjoy a little rest before facing the Western Conference champion Colorado Avalanche for the Stanley Cup Final. That will begin Wednesday night, June 15 in Denver. Puck drop is set for 8pm EST and will be televised on ABC.