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NHL Playoffs 2015, Lightning vs. Rangers Game 7: Recap and highlights (Video)

By Charles Rahrig V

May 18, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) scores a goal against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) in front of New York Rangers right wing Martin St. Louis (26) during the first period of game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) scores a goal against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) in front of New York Rangers right wing Martin St. Louis (26) during the first period of game two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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95. 2. 23. Final. 0

The Tampa Bay Lightning are headed to the Stanley Cup Finals after a masterful defensive performance against the New York Rangers

For two periods of the final game of the Eastern Conference Finals, it didn’t look like either team was going to score.

Both Ben Bishop and Henrik Lundqvist were stellar the first two periods, and finally in the third period the dam busted and the Lightning scored two big goals to dispatch of the New York Rangers.

The first goal came when Alex Killorn made a beautiful backhanded goal past Lundqvist and through defenseman for the Lightning to get on the board first.

Amazingly it got through several players.

Then to make matters worse for the Rangers, the Lightning got a huge goal with under 10 minutes left to increase the deficit and their advantage over New York.

It was Ondrej Palat this time who beat Lundqvist.

That would be all that would be required of the Lightning as they secured their second ever trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. All night they were staunch on defense, and through two periods, the Rangers only had 11 shots on net.

All night they looked geared up as anyone could be for a Game 7, bringing physicality with every shift and imposing their will on the Rangers.

The biggest hit of the night came courtesy of defenseman Matt Carle who absolutely rocked Chris Kreider with a huge shot.

That shot alone describes the night for the Rangers, as they left stunned after getting physically beat up and not being able to get anything going.

With their captain Ryan McDonagh hobbled, it was going to be difficult for them to get anything going, and once again their season ends with disappointment after getting so close to their dreams of a Stanley Cup. After the loss, the Rangers fans rose to their feet and applauded their team and chanted “Henrik!” across Madison Square Garden to thank their goalie for all his effort.

For the Lightning, they now await the winner of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks. This is their second trip to the second Stanley Cup Finals and they will be looking to etch their names on the cup for a second time in franchise history.

For the Lightning’s leader Steven Stamkos, it’s his first trip to the finals, and now he has a chance to create a legacy for himself.

Welcome to forever, Steven.

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