Heading into today’s game the Tampa Bay Lightning held a 3-1 record in series clinching game fives. Their only loss came in 2015 against the Montreal Canadiens, while their three wins came in 2004 against the New York Islanders, 2016 against the Detroit Red Wings and 2016 against the Islanders again.
Strong Start
The one thing the Lightning have done well this season is start off hot, and today was no exception. The Tampa Bay fore-check sustained long periods of time in the Devils end. At one point it felt like New Jersey would never see the Lightning’s zone. During one of those extended time frames, Anthony Cirelli would skate behind New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider and find Mikhail Sergachev at the point. The young Lightning defenseman wound up and fired a shot clear past Schneider. The goal and assists were both playoff firsts, Cirelli’s first point and Sergachev’s first goal. Through one period the shots were fairly even, the Lightning controlled 85 percent of the opening period. Sergachev would not only get the first playoff game of his career, he would set a Lightning franchise record as the youngest player ever to score for the Bolts in the playoffs.
This is only his first playoff goal. ????#TBLvsNJD | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/sBq0LmnAOQ
— #GoBolts (@TBLightning) April 21, 2018
Furious Shots, No Goals
The Lightning made it a point to put the puck on net in the second period, so much so that the out shot the Devils 18-4 in the middle period. At one point it felt like the Lightning had three power play chances in a row, they would end the period with four chances. The Devils were assessed five in the period, but one came at the 20:00 minute mark. Andy Greene crosschecked Kucherov which gave the Lightning a two-minute power play to start the third period. The Lightning weren’t able to convert on any of their power play opportunities.
Продолжайте движение (Keep on Rolling)
Nikita Kucherov kept his mastery of the New Jersey Devils goalies through this series going in game five. With about seven and a half minutes remaining in the 3rd, Kucherov set up in front of Schneider and snapped a shot past the Devil’s netminder. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was absolutely masterful once again facing 27 shots and stopping them all but one. Any concerns you may have had about him heading into the playoffs, it seems like he is back to early season form. If he continues to play like he is, he could lead the Lightning all the way to that giant silver cup! (No, I will NOT say its name)
THIS GUY. ????#Vasy4Vezina | #VASYVASYVASY pic.twitter.com/jrruWTFxz1
— #GoBolts (@TBLightning) April 21, 2018
Who’s Next
With the Boston Bruins leading their series with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s likely the Lightning will be facing the Bruins in the second round of the playoffs. The last game the Bolts and Bruins played ended in a 4-0 shutout for Andrei Vasilevskiy. Tampa will have home ice advantage with either team they play in the second round.
Three Stars of the Game
1st Star: Mikhail Sergachev – Scored his first Lightning playoff goal, and he is now the youngest player to do so at the young age of 19 years and 300 days.
2nd Star: Nikita Kucherov: Got the game winner
3rd Star: Andrei Vasilevskiy – Faced 27 shots, and stopped all but one (which came late)
