TAMPA, Fla. — One streak had to end in Game 2 between the Lightning and Rangers and it was Tampa Bay's.
The New York Rangers snapped the Bolts' record 17-win streak after a playoff loss that started back in the first Stanley Cup run in 2020. And the Rangers have now won eight straight postseason contests inside Madison Square Garden.
Tampa Bay put up a valiant effort late in the third period, but were unable to top the Rangers, falling 3-2 in Game 2. The Bolts will now look forward to Game 3 back at home on Sunday, June 5.
The Lightning are 1-4 all-time when trailing a series 2-0. Steven Stamkos said the team hasn't played to the beat that got them there.
"We're focused on our group and what we do," he said during a post game press conference. "We haven't executed the way that got us here."
He continued saying he believes the Bolts found momentum at the end of the game and need to carry that into Game 3. The Bolts started off hot during the first period. Nikita Kucherov scored on a power play after Rangers' Ryan Reaves was penalized for slashing less than a minute before.
The Bolts wouldn't score again until the final two minutes of play, with a goal from Nicholas Paul.
The Bolts play again at 3 p.m. in Amalie Arena on Sunday, June 5.
Prior to Game 2, Rangers Head Coach Gallant acknowledged the Bolts 17-win streak after a loss. Take a look at the Game 2 preview below.
"I read that they’re 17-0 in games after a loss. It doesn’t matter to me," Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant said. "I mean, they didn’t beat us 17 times. They beat other teams."
Tampa Bay could not knock off the rust from its 9-day rest period after sweeping the Florida Panthers, losing to the Rangers 6-2 in Game 1.
“Now we’ve dipped our toes in the water...we better jump into the deep end here in Game 2, but it was good to get that one out of the way. It just sucks about the result," Bolts head coach Jon Cooper said.
As ugly as the final score looks, analytics were a bit friendlier on the performance. In a lot of instances, the Lightning played a better game, but it was very clear Andrei Vasilevskiy was bad giving up more than three goals above expected.
“Intensity. Work ethic. He’s top of the list in that regard," Cooper said about his goalie. "Our team, they take losses personal. But I would say the goalie really takes it personal."
The Lightning certainly generated plenty of chances, but now they know what it is like playing Andrei Vasilevskiy because Igor Shesterkin, the likely Vezina Trophy winner this season, was amazing in Game 1.
Goals are not going to come easily in this series and Tampa Bay knows that.
“Just getting bodies in front, shooting through screens — second, third rebounds are there. Crash the net and put some home," Lightning forward Nick Paul said. "He’s a good goalie. He’s going to make saves, but if you stay on him and don’t lose confidence, good things will happen.”
Besides the goaltending, the Lightning need to limit the Rangers moving east-to-west. As you can see above, they gave up way too much in the middle of the ice. Cooper said after the loss it was very uncharacteristic of his group and he was right. If Tampa Bay stops New York from those odd-man rushes — the Bolts should be able to play at their pace and fluster a team with very little playoff experience.
Take nothing away from the Rangers, they played a spectacular game, but consistency has been their issue throughout the playoffs. There is a reason they needed seven games to beat the Penguins and Hurricanes.
Not to mention, the New York media is falling in love with this team, so much so, that we even have The Shift trending thanks to that incredible effort from the surging Kids Line.
The Tampa Bay Lightning got punched in the mouth, but they are almost always very measured in their response.
Unlike Game 1 against Toronto, there were more positives to take away from Wednesday's matchup and they can build off that.
“As far as the layoff, you can say what it is," Bolts defenseman Zach Bogosian said. "We’re back in it now after Game 1. That’s in the past and we’re right back in the fight, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Game 2 blog:
FINAL: Tampa Bay Lightning 2 | New York Rangers 3
3rd period
2:04 Nicholas Paul scores, assisted by Crey Perry and Nikita Kucherov
18:36 Mika Zibanejad scores for Rangers, assisted by Chris Kreider and Frank Vatrano
2nd period
14:23 Foote is called for roughing.
16:32 Vasilevskiy loses track of the puck in the blue paint, but draws a whistle. No goal scored.
1st period
2:28 Kaapo Kakko scores for the Rangers, assisted by Filip Chytil and Adam Fox.
14:01 K'Andre Miller scores for the Rangers.
17:19 Nikita Kuchevrov scores on the power play, assisted by Victor Hedman and Anthony Cirelli.
17:29 Ryan Reaves gets a penalty for slashing.