The Tampa Bay Lightning got goalie Ben Bishop back for game 3, but it was Victor Hedman and Cedric Paquette who helped Tampa Bay jump ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks. Hedman had two assists, including setting up Paquette's game-winner, to lead Tampa Bay past Chicago 3-2 on Monday night to take a 2-1 series lead. It is the third consecutive game decided by one goal to begin the series.
Paquette, Ryan Callahan, and Ondrej Palat found the back of the net in the Lightning's second straight win, while Bishop returned with a 36-save performance. He was questionable to play after leaving game 2 twice in the third period for an unknown reason. Many have speculated a leg or groin injury, but nothing has been confirmed.
Bishop participated in the team's morning skate on Monday, but wasn't announced as the starter until right before the game. He said after the game that he feels alright, and he's not going to miss a Stanley Cup Finals game.
Brad Richards and Brandon Saad scored for Chicago, Marian Hossa recorded two assists, and Corey Crawford made 29 saves in the loss. Hossa had an excellent scoring chance in the first period, but could not capitalize to get Chicago on the board.
The Lightning scored first for the fourth consecutive game when Hedman set up Callahan in the opening period.
Tampa Bay's defensive pairing has stepped up in the series, including in game 3. They have been able to shut down Chicago's top scoring pair in Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who have combined for just one point. Hedman is a key part of that defensive attack, but also has two assists in each of the first three games of the series.
The game was tied at one after two periods, but the two teams traded goals just 13 seconds apart, which is the quickest span in Stanley Cup Finals history. Hedman and Paquette put together the game-winner with 3:11 left to shut down the Chicago crowd of 22,336.
The series will stay in Chicago for game 4 on Wednesday night.
Paquette, Ryan Callahan, and Ondrej Palat found the back of the net in the Lightning's second straight win, while Bishop returned with a 36-save performance. He was questionable to play after leaving game 2 twice in the third period for an unknown reason. Many have speculated a leg or groin injury, but nothing has been confirmed.
Bishop participated in the team's morning skate on Monday, but wasn't announced as the starter until right before the game. He said after the game that he feels alright, and he's not going to miss a Stanley Cup Finals game.
Brad Richards and Brandon Saad scored for Chicago, Marian Hossa recorded two assists, and Corey Crawford made 29 saves in the loss. Hossa had an excellent scoring chance in the first period, but could not capitalize to get Chicago on the board.
The Lightning scored first for the fourth consecutive game when Hedman set up Callahan in the opening period.
Tampa Bay's defensive pairing has stepped up in the series, including in game 3. They have been able to shut down Chicago's top scoring pair in Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who have combined for just one point. Hedman is a key part of that defensive attack, but also has two assists in each of the first three games of the series.
The game was tied at one after two periods, but the two teams traded goals just 13 seconds apart, which is the quickest span in Stanley Cup Finals history. Hedman and Paquette put together the game-winner with 3:11 left to shut down the Chicago crowd of 22,336.
The series will stay in Chicago for game 4 on Wednesday night.
