By Michael Wax
The Lightning have stayed alive, putting up a 4-2 win on the road in Game 5 to bring the series back to AMALIE Arena. Here are three things we noticed from the loss:
On the Prowl
Much of the discourse between games four and five was how Andrei Vasilevskiy was struggling big time this series, having put up the worst save percentage and worst goals save about expected among all starting goalies in the playoffs. Not only did Vasilevskiy respond with a big game five, he shut down the Leafs at the most pivotal points in the game.
Vasilevskiy's biggest save came on a breakaway for Mitch Marner late in the second period, staying calm through Marner's moves to try and fake out the goalie. He was called upon again to make some big saves with the game at 3-2, and delivered in a big way.
Mikeyyyyy
With Tanner Jeannot out of this game with a reported injury, Mikey Eyssimont stepped back into the lineup for the first time since game one. Not only did he score, he was one of the Lightning's best forwards. His goal looked awfully similar to Barclay Goodrow's playoff goal against Carolina, driving wide on the defense before taking a shot from the angle that finds its way in. Eyssimont brought speed to go along with his grit, and opened up the door for Nick Paul to also break his goal drought. Eyssimont earned his way into the game six lineup, no questions asked.
Leaders Lead
If the Lightning are going to find their way back to Toronto for a game seven, the leadership group needs to step up in a big way. Stamkos, Kucherov, and Point have one goal between them since game one, and the power play also has one goal scored since game one. The top line, which can go against any top line in the league, hasn't been going the way the Lightning need it to. That needs to change for the Lightning to have a chance.
Three Stars
Media’s three stars
1. Eyssimont (TBL) - 1 Goal, 1 Assist
2. Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 28 Saves
3. Rielly (TOR) - 1 Goal
Our three stars
1. Vasilevskiy (TBL) - 28 Saves
2. Eyssimont (TBL) - 1 Goal, 1 Assist
3. Paul (TBL) - 1 Goal
Game five will be Saturday, April 29, at 7:00 p.m.
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