BOSTON, May 23 (Reuters) - The Boston Bruins inched closer to their first Stanley Cup Finals in more than 20 years after a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday put them one win away from clinching the Eastern Conference title.
The Bruins squandered a 3-0 lead in Game 4 on Saturday to let Tampa Bay even the series, but after falling behind in the first period on Monday they rallied with two goals in the second and a late empty-netter to move to the brink of their first Cup finals since 1990.
Boston can clinch the best-of-seven series with a win in Game Six on Wednesday in Tampa Bay.
The Lightning had hoped to ride the momentum from Saturday's 5-3 comeback win by starting Mike Smith in net after his perfect 21-save performance in relief of Dwayne Roloson.
Tampa Bay's Simon Gagne scored just 1:09 into the game and the Lightning controlled the opening period, outshooting the home side 14-4.
But Boston's Nathan Horton tied the game at 4:24 in the second and Brad Marchand put the Bruins ahead 11 minutes later to turn the tables.
In the final minute Tampa Bay pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker looking for the equaliser but Rich Peverley capitalised on the empty net to score and seal the 3-1 win.
The Bruins squandered a 3-0 lead in Game 4 on Saturday to let Tampa Bay even the series, but after falling behind in the first period on Monday they rallied with two goals in the second and a late empty-netter to move to the brink of their first Cup finals since 1990.
Boston can clinch the best-of-seven series with a win in Game Six on Wednesday in Tampa Bay.
The Lightning had hoped to ride the momentum from Saturday's 5-3 comeback win by starting Mike Smith in net after his perfect 21-save performance in relief of Dwayne Roloson.
Tampa Bay's Simon Gagne scored just 1:09 into the game and the Lightning controlled the opening period, outshooting the home side 14-4.
But Boston's Nathan Horton tied the game at 4:24 in the second and Brad Marchand put the Bruins ahead 11 minutes later to turn the tables.
In the final minute Tampa Bay pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker looking for the equaliser but Rich Peverley capitalised on the empty net to score and seal the 3-1 win.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire