The Tampa Bay Lightning played a great game in the first but struggled after that. But they got the job done when it mattered most. The Bolts penalty kill came up huge this game going 4 for 4. As for the Caps, they could not stop the Bolts PP and were stumped by Vasy. This was a great game to watch especially at the end as both teams went all out and it came down to the wire. Vasy was the best player on the ice by far tonight and won this game for the Bolts. This is another huge win for the Bolts and now will have a huge opportunity to go up in the series back home. Let’s take a look at how we got here period by period.

First Period

The Bolts got off to a good start grabbing some good chances early in the game. The Caps came right back though as they put on a flurry of chances. Vasy made a few amazing stops but the Bolts couldn’t clear it. Orlov would make them pay as he fired one home to give the caps a 1-0 lead. The lead wouldn’t last long though as the Bolts made a few beautiful passes and Point put it home to tie this game at 1. Things did not get better for the Caps though as Lars Eller would get called for a hold and give the Bolts the first power play of the night. The Lightning power play remained hot from Game 3 as Stamkos put one in the back of the net to take a 1 goal lead! Johnson unfortunately soon after turned the puck over right in the hands of Ovi in the slot but fortunately he missed wide. Gourde would then get called for interference and give the Caps their first power play of the night. But the Bolts penalty kill stood strong blocking shot after shot and killed off the penalty. The Caps maintained pressure though but Vasy turned them away. Hedman would then get called for a slash immediately sending the Caps back to the power play. The Bolts could just not stay out of the box though as Kucherov was then called for a hook. The Bolts PK unit stayed hot though and once again killed off the penalty keeping the Bolts up by 1. Time would then expire and despite the multiple penalties, the Bolts lead by 1.

Goals: 2-1 Tampa Bay

Shots: 15-7 Washington

Second Period

The Caps got off to a better start than the Bolts early in the second as they got a few good chances but Vasy shut the door. The Capitals kept up the pressure but just couldn’t find the back of the net. The Caps would then finally be able to cash in as the entered the zone with a 2 on 1. Evgeny Kuznetsov then slipped one past Vasy and tied the game at 2. With the crowd back into it, Washington kept on pushing and Chandler Stephenson then got a breakaway but was denied by Vasy. The Bolts could not stay disciplined as Hedman would then head to the box for tripping and send the Caps to their 4th power play. The Bolts blocked shot after shot after shot and once again killed off the penalty. The Lightning could not get the puck out of their own offensive zone racking up just 1 shot on goal so far in the period. This could have easily been a 6 goal game for the Capitals if it wasn’t for Vasilevskiy as he made stupendous after stupendous save against the Caps offense. The Bolts would then get their best chance of the period as Johnson broke off on a breakaway but was denied by Holtby. However things would go right back to the Caps getting chance after chance peppering Vasy with shots. The Bolts then got two huge chances as Kuch and Stammer nearly put it home but Holtby came up big again. Time would eventually expire and Vasy would finally get a rest.

Goals: 2-2

Shots: 29-13 Washington

Third Period

The Lightning got off to a little bit of better start grabbing a few chances early on. The Caps kept up their good 5 on 5 play but Vasy kept up his good play as well stopping them in their tracks. The Caps then turned up the pressure but so did Vasy as he made an unreal save in front keeping this game tied at 2. The Bolts would then finally put on a little bit of sustained pressure but just couldn’t capitalize. The Bolts would then finally get a chance on the power play as Lars Eller would get his third penalty of the night, this one for hooking. The Bolts got a few big chances but Holtby turned them all way. Then just as the power play expired Killorn snuck one past Holtby and put the Bolts in front by 1! Both teams then got a few chances but the Bolts remained in front by 1 with just under 5 min to go. John Carlson then got a huge chance as he found himself all alone in the slot but could not get it past Vasy. The Caps would then pull Holtby for one last chance to tie this game. But Vasy and the Bolts had other ideas as they were able to hold them off stopping everything the Caps threw at them. Cirelli would then seal the deal as he put one in the empty net with 1 second left to make it 4-2! They would then play out the last second and THIS ONE WAS OVER!!! THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING HAVE TIED THE SERIES AT 2!!

Goals: 4-2 Tampa Bay

Shots: 38-19 Washington

3 Stars

1. Andrei Vasilevskiy (36SV)
2. Alex Killorn (1G)
3. Brayden Point (1G, 1A)

Up Next and Final Strike

What a game! The Bolts played fantastic in the first but did not have a good second and an ok third. The Bolts struggled to get any shots on goal after the first period but luckily had number 88 in net. Vasy was unbelievable tonight stopping everything thrown his way. Vasy was the reason the Bolts were able to win this game. Special teams also looked good for the Bolts. The powerplay looked good as they went 1 for 2 on the night. The penalty kill was even better going 4 for 4 and stopping three straight penalties. The Bolts will need to make sure they are playing a full 60 min though as they get set or game 5. With that said I expect the Bolts to keep their foot on the gas as we head back to Tampa in game 5.

The Bolts will look to take a lead for the first time this series in game 5 back in Tampa Saturday, May 19th at 8:00 PM