Rangers Host Lightning in Game 5 with Series All Square at 2-2
The NHL Eastern Conference Finals has been reduced to a best of three series. The New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning return to the Big Apple on Sunday to face off in Madison Square Garden in Game 5 of the series. The series is deadlocked at 2-2 making it a best of three series from here out with the Rangers once again holding the home ice advantage.
The Rangers won Game 4 to tie the series on Friday night 5-1.
The Rangers Henrik Lundqvist returned to form in Game 4 stopping 38 shots. He played quite often in Game 4 in his comfort zone – deep in the crease and seeing many more shots on net. It was clear he was in a rhythm in Game 4 and the Rangers fans hope that carries over to Game 5. The Lightning did not move Lundqvist around very often in Game 4 and that played right into the Swedes’ hands.
The one goal Tampa Bay scored was a partial screen and Lundqvist was caught too far back in his crease. The shot was quick, and that and deception are the only two ways you can beat a goaltender with the talents of Lundqvist.
Tampa’s rushes in Game 4 did not produce the scoring chances the Lightning had when they routed New York in Game 3.
When Lundqvist is allowed by his defense and the lack of pressure by the opposing offense, to get into his comfort zone, then hockey pucks rarely find their way into his net. The Lightning generated a number of shots, but Tyler Johnson, Steven Stamkos and other Tampa Bay forwards allowed Lundqvist dictate their shot selections.
Of course, the Rangers offensive presence in Game 4 helped tremendously. Playing hockey downhill is much easier and gives you more presence.
Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop has to recover from a poor performance on Friday night.
Tampa Bay’s defense did not help Bishop either. The defense became complacent, which hurt Bishop as he allowed 5 goals once again.
If the Lightning hopes to win Game 5, then Bishop needs to be ready and produce a strong game.
The two goalies will likely decide who wins this series. Game 5 is very pivotal as it puts one of the teams with its back against the wall and needing two straight wins to take the conference championship.
New York should win this game, but if the line has them favored by 1.5 or 2.5 then the play would be Tampa +2.5.
