Lightning push Bruins to brink of elimination with Game 4 win

Ondrej Palat scored twice and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 29 saves as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins 3-1 in Game 4 of their second-round matchup Saturday.

The Lightning secured a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, moving within one victory of advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the fourth time in the last six years.

Tampa Bay won again without captain Steven Stamkos and workhorse defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who remain out due to injuries. Stamkos hasn't played since Feb. 25, and McDonagh has missed the last three contests.

The Bruins outshot the Lightning 30-26 on Saturday, including an 11-6 margin in the third period. Boston held the edge in shot-attempt differential, but Tampa Bay controlled the scoring chances.

(Courtesy: Natural Stat Trick, all stats at 5-on-5)

Victor Hedman added an insurance marker on the power play late in the second frame. Jake DeBrusk got the Bruins on the board with his fourth goal of this postseason just over seven minutes into the third.

Game 5 is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. ET.