Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals played right into the Tampa Bay Lightning's favor. Goal after Goal led to a 6-5 victory for Tampa Bay that took an extra overtime to materialize. Surely Henrik Lundqvist would love it if his Rangers could keep Tyler Johnson and the Lightning offense from getting so many shots off in the slot. Henrik was unable to save six of the 40 shots fired at his net and the home ice advantage his New York Rangers brought into the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Rangers registered five goals of their own. Stats show a 2/4 production on power-play opportunities, one of which tied the game at 4-4 in the 3rd period. It's a must that the Rangers turn these contest into lower scoring match-ups if they plan on advancing. Their ability to produce five goals last night likely has exhausted their team who isn't quite as youthful as their opponent in the Lightning. The fatigue was quite transparent for the Rangers. Particularly, Linesman Rick Nash failed to convert on three scoring chances and was seen gasping for air through three intensive periods. The youthful Lightning on the other hand, capped off Game 3 with an overtime goal from right wing Nikita Kucherov that sealed it.
After last night, Tyler Johnson has now produced 12 goals in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. At the age of 24, it's fair to say that Johnson bar some bizarre injury, is destined to have a NHL legacy that will land him in the hall of fame. The Rangers must find away to play to their strengths, if not they'll become a highlight of Tyler Johnson's hall of fame resume for the year 2015. On this day off, some sort of strategic planning must be implemented to get New York more puck possession time. King Lundqvist is losing the esteem shape around the analogy that "defense wins championships" because his team hasn't been much help. Time is running out on the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and only one team can be crowned Eastern Conference champions.
Will the New York Rangers tie things up or is their chances at a 2015 Stanley Cup slowly fading.
NHL fans can watch Game 4 of the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers Friday at 8:00 p.m. E.T on NBCSN. NHL fans worldwide can agree that the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been a complete thriller. THE BIRTH LLC supports the NHL and will provide continuous updates throughout the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
