The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Avs still lead the series 3-2, but the Lightning will look to continue their shot at a three-peat when they play Game 6 in Tampa Bay.
Game Recap
Back in the mile-high city, play got underway with a couple of Avalanche penalties. On the two penalties, Tampa Bay could not capitalize and eventually gave up one of their own. Colorado did not have much luck either, getting shutout on their first power play. After all of the potential chances with a man advantage, Jan Rutta scored the first goal to give Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead. The Lightning defenseman entered the zone and unloaded a slap shot for the goal. The 1-0 score remained through the remainder of the period, while Colorado led the shot total 12-11.
The middle frame saw the Avalanche command early scoring five minutes in. Valeri Nichushkin picked up a bad rebound to tie the game at one. 1:20 later, Killorn and Compher both went to the box for their respective teams. Cale Makar joined Compher in the Colorado box 31 seconds later allowing the Bolts a power play. Kucherov would not let this opportunity slip away, as he played the sweetest sound in hockey while scoring a goal. Off a one-timer feed from Stamkos, Kucherov ripped the puck past and in for the 2-1 lead. Prior to the end of the period, Colorado got one more power play opportunity but could not convert. After two periods of play, it was 2-1 Lightning.
The recently crowned Norris Trophy winner was not having it to start the third period. 2:31 in to the period, Cale Makar tied the game at two after the puck bounced off of Cernak’s skate. Though the elevated suspense of being on the brink of elimination late in the game, Palat kept cool. With 6:22 remaining, in front of the 80 people in his hometown having a watch party, Palat snagged the game winner. To end the game, Colorado would be caught with too many men diminishing any hope of tying it up late. The Lightning win 3-2, forcing another game in the series.
FL Teams Star of the Game
Under the spotlight of those back home, in a game ever-so-important, Palat pulled through with the game winner. Therefore, Ondrej Palat is the star of the game.
Up Next
Tampa Bay will look to force a Game 7 on Sunday night at 8:00 PM EST.