NHL Playoffs, Red Wings vs. Lightning Game 5 recap, full highlights

Highlights from the Tampa Bay Lightning’s series-clinching 1-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs.

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop tallied 34 saves to beat the Detroit Red Wings 1-0 on Thursday night at Amalie Arena and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a series win in five games.

As expected in an elimination game, the Red Wings came out with an initial sense of urgency, and earned a lengthy 5 on 3 less than five minutes in. Detroit’s woeful Power Play could not cash in, with the best chance coming on a Pavel Datsyuk shot that hit the post at a bad angle.

Neither team was able to break through in the first period as both appeared afraid to make a mistake, although Danny DeKeyser hit another post for the Red Wings. Tampa Bay looked lifeless at even strength, and Petr Mrazek made some necessary nice saves on two Lightning Power Plays.

That tightness continued in the scoreless second period, as Tampa Bay could generate few scoring chances despite getting another two Power Plays. Detroit had the best three chances of the game on three different breakaways by Riley Sheahan, Darren Helm, and Dylan Larkin, but were denied every time by Ben Bishop, who was excellent in the period.

While Detroit had its best Power Play in a number of games at the 14:01 mark of the period, it could not convert, falling to 1/25 in the series. Meanwhile, the Lightning had just nine even strength shots on goal through two, as the Red Wings were the better 5 on 5 team.

Tyler Johnson was not on the ice for much of the period, returned at the start of the third and put some pressure on Mrazek with a couple of good scoring opportunities, and was on and off the bench for the rest of the period for undisclosed reasons. Detroit could not take advantage of some sloppy Tampa Bay turnovers, as Bishop held firm.

With just under two minutes left in regulation, the Lightning were able to create a goal from nothing. A mistake by Mrazek and Niklas Kronwall gifted the Lightning a 1-0 lead on Alex Killorn’s goal.

Tampa Bay killed off yet another penalty to seal the 4-1 series win and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Bishop’s first shutout of the series ensured a Lightning win despite Detroit controlling the run of play for much of the game.

Three Stars

3. Jonathan Drouin, LW, Tampa Bay. Showed no rust from a lengthy suspension all series long and made plays all over the ice in Game 5.

2. Ryan Callahan, RW, Tampa Bay. Underrated hero of the series was excellent on the penalty kill and added an assist on the series-clinching goal.

1. Ben Bishop, G, Tampa Bay. Recorded first shutout of the series with 34 saves despite team playing very poorly in front of him.

Full Highlights

"#GottaSeeIt: Red Wings’ Petr Mrazek flashes the leather to keep things scoreless in Game 5. #StanleyCuphttps://t.co/maH1AwOvNL— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 22, 2016"

Next Up

The Lightning will await the winner of the series between the Florida Panthers and New York Islanders. Detroit will enter the offseason with plenty of question marks, including Pavel Datsyuk’s likely retirement.

For more coverage of the NHL Playoffs, make sure to check out our NHL hub page.