The Stanley Cup Finals are two games in and the Blackhawks vs. Lightning showdown is one that is only just getting started.
The Tampa Bay Lightning needed a win in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals to get back into things and head back to Chicago with the series tied. That’s what happened in Tampa Bay on Saturday night, as the Lightning guaranteed themselves another home game and forced a Game 5 with a big win over the Blackhawks that saw it’s far share of scoring.
It was the Lightning who struck first to take a lead on a Cedric Paquette goal. This came after the Lightning sounded their goal horn a little too early on a missed shot by Pacquette just moments before his first goal of the game.
"Cedric Paquette opens the scoring for the Lightning! 1-0 over Chicago. #StanleyCupMoments http://t.co/hCqxm3b0OS— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 6, 2015"
While the lead was welcomed by Lighting fans, it didn’t last long. As was the case in Game 1, the Blackhawks scored twice in a very short amount of time to consume the lead and swarm Tampa Bay with momentum. The first of the two quick goals was scored by Andrew Shaw.
"Andrew Shaw taps it in to tie Game 2, 1-1. #StanleyCupMoments http://t.co/py6Bq2GXHX— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2015"
Shaw’s goal was followed up by a laser shot by Teuvo Teravainen.
"Teravainen puts the Blackhawks ahead, 2-1! #StanleyCupMoments http://t.co/HU06XEtnoz— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2015"
Tampa Bay wasn’t done though, as they came roaring back with a goal Nikita Kucherov that evened the score up at 2-2 in the second period. Things didn’t slow down though, as the Lightning took a page out of the Blackhawks book and scored two quick goals to take the lead back, with Tyler Johnson taking credit for the third goal of the night for Tampa Bay.
"Kucherov answers Chicago with tip-in goal, 2-2 midway through the second period. #StanleyCupMoments http://t.co/VpVxrrUQ2L— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2015"
"Tyler Johnson scores on a bad angle to make it 3-2 Lightning over the Blackhawks. #StanleyCupMoments http://t.co/hUNNo3N6VQ— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2015"
Marian Hossa tied things up on a goal that was initially controversial but was reviewed and confirmed. The controversy surrounded if Hossa had interfered with Ben Bishop, which it was determined that he didn’t.
"Hossa bumps Bishop- should this tying goal have counted? 3-3 Lightning, Blackhawks. #StanleyCupMoments http://t.co/Wib9u9Pmz0— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2015"
The tie score didn’t last long though, as the Blackhawks put the Lighting on the power play, which resulted in the game-winning goal from Jason Garrison.
"Garrison makes Chicago pay for that penalty, giving Tampa back the lead. 4-3 Lightning. #StanleyCupMoments http://t.co/h0JPsDbyzR— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2015"
Tampa Bay desperately needed a win in Game 2 to avoid falling into a massive hole heading to Chicago. If the Bolts had lost, being down 2-0 might not have been something they could have come back from. But with the win, the Lightning have guaranteed themselves a chance to win the series at home in Game 5 — but that would require two wins in Chicago.
Both Chicago and Tampa Bay struggled to win back-to-back games in their Conference Finals series, but that’s going to be what’s required to get the edge in the Stanley Cup this year.
So when is Game 3 of the Blackhawks vs. Lightning and where can you catch the action? We have all the information you need to know:
Date: Monday, June 8th
Start Time: 8:00pm ET
Venue: United Center
Location: Chicago, IL
TV Channel: NBCSN
Live Stream: NBC Live Extra
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