Lightning take series lead over Rangers after high-scoring Game 3 overtime thriller
Nikita Kucherov scored 3:33 into overtime to end a wild Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers.
Both teams squandered multi-goal advantages during regulation in the 6-5 Lightning victory, which gave Tampa Bay a 2-1 series lead. New York led 2-0 after 10 minutes while the Lightning grabbed a 4-2 advantage late in the second period, but no lead was safe in the offensive explosion.
Star Performer: Ondrej Palat recorded a game-high three points (2 goals, 1 assist), extending his point streak to four goals and three assists in four games. He scored a power-play goal in the second period and set up Tyler Johnson's 12th tally of the playoffs before staking the Lightning to a 5-4 lead with 5:55 remaining in regulation.
Turning Point: The game was up for grabs after Dan Boyle forced overtime late in the third period. Each team fired two shots on goal in the extra period, but it was Kucherov's wrist shot from the high slot that found its way past Lundqvist to end the contest.
Goalie Comparison: Henrik Lundqvist allowed six goals for the second straight game, which is unheard of for the perennial Vezina contender. Ben Bishop didn't fare much better in Tampa Bay's net.
| Goalie | Shots | GA | Saves | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lundqvist | 40 | 6 | 34 | .850 |
| Bishop | 28 | 5 | 23 | .821 |
Top Highlight: Jesper Fast scored a highlight-reel breakaway goal for the Rangers in the first period, but Tampa Bay's Alex Killorn stole the show with a combination of finesse and brute strength. Killorn skated into the slot and toe-dragged around Dan Boyle and Marc Staal before firing a blistering wrister past Lundqvist.
Stat of the night: Fast scored twice in the contest, becoming the first Rangers rookie to record a multi-goal playoff game on the road since Mike Ridley in 1986.
Series at a glance
Game 1: Rangers 2, Lightning 1
Game 2: Lightning 6, Rangers 2
Game 3: Lightning 6, Rangers 5 (OT)
Game 4: Friday, May 22, 8 p.m. ET
Game 5: Sunday, May 24, 8 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Tuesday, May 26, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Friday, May 29, 8 p.m. ET
*If necessary