Social Stanley Cup Final: Game 1

The Chicago Blackhawks were down 1-0 going into the third period of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, but everyone, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, had a strong sense that that lead likely won't stand.

Just when the Tampa Bay Lightning thought they’d walk out of Amalie Arena with a Game 1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks… the Blackhawks turned up the heat.

Two late goals within two minutes of each other propelled the Blackhawks to a 2-1 victory and an early series lead.

We collected the best tweets, stats, videos and reaction throughout the game as it happened. Take a look and relive the action, below.

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THIRD PERIOD

In the span of just a few minutes, the momentum swung from the Lightning to the Blackhawks.

Just when everyone was starting to wonder if the Blackhawks could really be shut out, Teuvo Teravainen tied the game 1-1.

Then, less than two minutes later, Antoine Vermette nets one and the Blackhawks take a 2-1 lead.

That’s what happens when you start to sit back in the NHL…

SECOND PERIOD

No goals in period No. 2. But things started to get a little vicious out there.

The second period belonged to the goaltenders. Still 1-0 Lightning after 40 minutes.

Here are some of the best saves from the frame:

Blackhawks forward (and new dad) Kris Versteeg went hard into the Ben Bishop’s goal post.

Look who’s here! Yep, Hulk Hogan is a huge Lightning fan. (And he says the Blackhawks ‘are in a lot of trouble.’)

FIRST PERIOD

The game got off to an extremely fast start. The Lightning notched the first goal, with a jaw-dropping tip from Alex Killorn. 1-0 Lightning.

Seriously, it was pretty unbelievable.

There’s a reason Don Cherry is such a fan of Killorn. Here, he breaks down exactly why Killorn’s hand-eye coordination is so on-point.

By the way, check out that tie! Coincidence?

The rest of the first period kept up the fast pace, but the Lightning’s shots on goal slowed down.

All in all, a solid first period.

PREGAME

The countdown is on until the puck drops on Game 1.

Both teams are ready…

… And so are their fans:

Things got pretty creative, too:

Blue skies in Tampa:

(And blue seats, too)

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