They did it three times in the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since 2020, the Lightning had been able to rely on one thing consistently: If they lost a game in the playoffs, they were going to win the next one. "I don't think the outside noise or any perceptions of our team really affects our mindset going into the games." The outside opinions don't affect anyone," defenseman Adam Fox said. "We heard all year that we weren't going to have playoff success. 946 save percentage, not giving up more than two goals in those four games, while the Rangers averaged five goals per game. When their systems break down and opponents get their chances, goalie Igor Shesterkin has been phenomenal: a. They're getting balanced scoring from multiple lines and multiple defensemen. They're possessing the puck and buzzing the offensive zone. The past four games the Rangers have played have been the four best games they've played in the playoffs. Teams that suddenly fit together the way their general managers had planned, either by getting healthy at the right time or through the right line combinations, such as the Rangers' much-hyped Kid Line. Teams that "learn how to win" during adverse moments, such as the Rangers bouncing back from a triple-overtime loss and a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, or rallying from 2-0 and 3-2 holes to upset the Carolina Hurricanes. Teams that find their identity during a postseason journey. We've seen this before in the Stanley Cup playoffs, haven't we? We find a way to win games."Īs the action moves to Tampa, Florida, for Sunday's Game 3, here are five takeaways from a stunning opening to the series, as the Lightning have gone from surging toward a three-peat to fighting for their playoff lives. We've played great hockey in the playoffs. "We've been a tough out so far," Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said. While Game 2 was closer, the Rangers were able to play at their tempo and kept Tampa Bay on its heels during a 3-2 victory at Madison Square Garden to build a 2-0 series lead. New York routed the visiting Lightning 6-2 in Game 1. Two games into this series, the Lightning have failed to execute offensively, looking rusty and out of sync against a Rangers team that has found its stride after two straight seven-game battles. The Tampa Bay Lightning entered their Eastern Conference finals matchup against the New York Rangers after a well-executed sweep of the Florida Panthers and as a well-rested team, getting nine days off between series. NHL, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browserĢ022 Stanley Cup playoffs: Eastern Conference finals takeaways after two games
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