The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Blue Jackets won Game 2 with a score of 3-1. Here is the recap of Game 3 between the Lightning and Blue Jackets.
Columbus: Elvis Merzlikins, Adam Clendening, Andrew Peeke, Cam Atkinson, Markus Nutivaara, Nathan Gerbe, Stefan Matteau, Scott Harrington, Veini Vehviläinen, Kevin Stenlund, Gabriel Carlsson
Tampa Bay: Scott Wedgewood, Braydon Coburn, Luke Schenn, Jan Rutta, Alexander Volkov, Mitchell Stephens, Mathieu Joseph, Steven Stamkos
The Blue Jackets were in control for the first half of the period. But, they couldn’t convert on their 5-on-3 and 5-on-4 power plays which might’ve lost them some confidence during the period. So, the Lightning took advantage and built momentum in the last five minutes of the period. Lightning forward Alex Killorn scored the game’s first goal with 4:12 remaining in the period.
Tampa went into the second period with a 1-0 lead.
The Blue Jackets started strong and scored early on in the period. Blue Jackets forward Riley Nash scored to tie the game at one. However, the Lightning controlled this period by sustaining offensive pressure on the Blue Jackets’ zone. They also were able to score two goals from forward Brayden Point and defenseman Victor Hedman. However, Blue Jackets forward Alexandre Texier had a chance to tie the game with 4:15 left in the period. But, Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy got enough of the puck to make the save.
Tampa went into the third period with a 3-1 lead.
The Blue Jackets got another early goal this time from forward Eric Robinson just 1:37 into the period. However, the Lightning continued to dominate the game on both ends of the ice. They weren’t able to get a goal but they had a few chances to score an empty netter in the latter stages of the period.
Tampa won the game 3-2 and took the series lead 2-1.
Third Star: Gustav Nyquist (1 assist)
Second Star: Brayden Point (1 goal)
First Star: Victor Hedman (1 goal)
Tampa continued to show why they are one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this year. They practically controlled every part of this game despite giving up two goals. And, they’ve done all that without their captain Steven Stamkos. That shows how much depth this team has on its roster.
On the other hand, Columbus wasn’t able to sustain momentum during this game. They got going early in each period but that was it. If Columbus wants to repeat history and beat Tampa, they have to start finding ways to convert their scoring chances and keep momentum on their side. Defensively, they did better this game blocking 24 Tampa Bay shots. In the end, they have to get the puck to the net more and give up too many opportunities for Tampa to score.
Game 4 of the Lightning-Blue Jackets series is on Aug. 17 at 3:00 p.m. EST.
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