It almost feels inevitable, doesn’t it? The Tampa Bay Lightning were down 2-0 after two games against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final, but did anyone ever really doubt their ability to win the series and head to a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final? If so, winning four games in a row has erased any such notions as they took care of their business on Saturday night to win 2-1 on home ice, forgo a potential Game 7 in the Big Apple, and head on to face the Colorado Avalanche for a third straight title.
The hero on this particular night? None other than Steven Stamkos. The center scored both goals, putting them ahead in the middle of the second period, and then, after a Frank Vatrano equalizer on a power play at 13:07 in the third, he scored his second and what proved to be the winner at 13:28. They also had a stifling, stingy defensive performance to thank as well, as their defense allowed just 21 shots to rain in from the Rangers. Four wins in a row mean they now get the chance to take on the Avs for a three-peat.
