The Chicago Blackhawks tried to take control of the play once again in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, but this time the Tampa Bay Lightning were ready.
We collected the best tweets, stats, videos and reaction from Saturday’s series-tying Lightning victory.
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PREGAME:
The Blackhawks were looking to make it 2-0…
…but the stats were in favour of the Lightning:
EA Sports predicted a Lightning victory, too:
As each player prepared to bring his A Game, so did the fans:
Tampa even painted the town — er, the channel — blue.
A few player updates from warmups:
FIRST PERIOD:
The Lightning came roaring out of the gates:
Jonathan Drouin wasted no time in making his mark on the game…
…but a giveaway earned him a talking-to.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/607337160748974080
There were several close calls in the first period — and even a premature goal horn.
The Lightning got on the score board first.
1-0 Lightning after the first period.
SECOND PERIOD:
It didn’t take long for Chicago to get themselves on the scoreboard in the second frame. Andrew Shaw scored to tie the game at one goal apiece.
Just two minutes later, Game 1’s hero strikes again. And just like that, it’s 2-1 Blackhawks.
(Looks like the camera-shy Finn will have to see the spotlight once again.)
Not for long! Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov makes it a tie-game once again.
You should probably watch that last one again:
Another goal for The Triplets! This time, it’s Tyler Johnson. 3-2 Lightning.
THIRD PERIOD:
Brent Seabrook opened the third period with a game-tying goal. 3-3.
(Don Cherry will be happy!)
Ben Bishop immediately argued that there was goaltender interference on the play. While many thought he was correct, goalie interference is not reviewable. (Maybe next season!)
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/607358238078693376
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/607358660688388097
Tampa’s on the power play:
Bishop left the game shortly after the goal. It remains unclear why.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/607360068783362048
With Andrei Vasilevskiy in net, the Lightning take the lead with a power play goal.
Bishop returned soon after, but left again.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/607362952455462912
Vasilevskiy officially takes over the crease for the Lightning, with less than half of the third period to go.
OK, Lightning fans — you can breathe again! The Lightning hang on for the 4-3 win to tie the series. Vasilevskiy is perfect in relief.
In the end, maybe God said it best:
Game 3 is in Chicago on Monday night.
See you then!
