Irresistible, the Lightning, two-time defending champion, made short work of the Panthers (5-1) on Sunday at home and find themselves one victory away from the Eastern Conference final of the NHL play-offs. Tampa Bay leads 3-0 and we don’t really see how Florida could reverse the situation, let alone with a 4th game in 24 hours, again with its rival.
Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos were key to the success of the Lightning: the first had three assists and one achievement, the second split a double. Corey Perry and Erik Cernak scored the first two goals.
It’s the fifth time Tampa Bay has led 3-0. The Florida club ended up winning the previous four series. The last time was against the Montreal Canadiens in the final, last year (4-1).
In New York, the Rangers reduced the gap to two wins to one against Carolina, winning (3-1). Mika Zibanejad, also author of an assist, Chris Kreider and Tyler Motte were the New York scorers.
Finally in the West, Edmonton took the lead 2-1 in its series against Calgary, thanks to a clear victory on home rink (4-0), thanks in particular to a hat-trick from Evander Kane.
Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning – Florida Panthers 5 – 1
Tampa Bay leads 3-0
Already played
Florida – Tampa Bay 1 – 4
Florida – Tampa Bay 1 – 2
Coming
Monday, May 23, match N.4: Tampa Bay – Florida
Wednesday, May 25, match N.5 (if necessary) Florida – Tampa Bay
Friday May 27, match N.6 (if necessary): Tampa Bay – Florida
Sunday May 29, match N.7 (if necessary): Florida – Tampa Bay
New York Rangers – Carolina Hurricanes 3 – 1
Carolina leads 2 to 1
Already played
Carolina – New York 2 – 1 (after extra time)
Carolina – New York 2 – 0
Coming
Mardi 24 mai: match N.4, New York – Carolina
Thursday May 26: match N.5, Carolina – New York
Saturday May 28: match N.6 (possible) New York – Carolina
Monday, May 30: match N.7 (possible), Carolina – New York
Western Conference
Edmonton Oilers – Calgary Flames 4 – 1
Edmonton leads 2-1
Already played
Calgary Flames – Edmonton Oilers 9 – 6
Calgary Flames – Edmonton Oilers 3 – 5
Coming
Mardi 24 mai: match N.4, Edmonton – Calgary
Thursday May 26, game N.5 Calgary – Edmonton
Saturday May 28: match N.6 (possible) Edmonton – Calgary
Monday, May 30: match N.7 (possible) Calgary – Edmonton