Rangers lead series 2-0. Rangers win 3-2.

This win breaks Tampa’s win streak record of 17 rebound games after losing one game in the playoffs. The Rangers take a two-game lead in the series, the first time Tampa has lost two games in a row in the playoffs since being swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2019.

Tampa played better this game, as the final score shows. The biggest difference was Tampa’s penalty kill. where they shut down the Rangers all 4 times. Tampa scored on their only power play at the start of the game. Reaves was baited into retaliating at the face-off and the ref only gave him a penalty. Tampa quickly capitalized, but the Rangers responded and kept Tampa at bay for most of the game.

It was just a few minutes later when K’Andre Miller scored after his first shot was blocked (knocking down the defender). The rebound came right back to him and so he thought, “Hey, might as well try again.” He moved over a little bit and took a tremendous slapper that Vasilevskiy should have stopped. That was Vasilevskiy’s story again, letting in goals he should have stopped.

In the waning minutes of the first period, Kappo Kakko scores from a brilliant pass from Fox. Kakko stationed himself in Kreider’s favorite spot next to the left goal post and Vasilevskiy had no chance to stop the tip in.

The second period went scoreless and the Rangers did tremendous work frustrating Tampa. They tried everything to rattle the Rangers and the Rangers didn’t bite. Only that one penalty. While the Rangers didn’t score on their power plays, they kept Tampa back on their heels. That’s 8 minutes of a game where Tampa is at a disadvantage, which means the Rangers are in control. You can’t score if you don’t have possession of the puck.

Mika Zibanejad with one more sniper goal on Vasilevskiy, high blocker side, gave the Rangers a 2 goal cushion. Tampa pulled their goal early, around 3:40 left in the game, and scored with 2 minutes left. That last 2 minutes were almost complete mayhem. Absolute madness with all those men clustered in front of the net. I don’t know how Igor made the saves he did. He straight up robbed Stamkos with 37 seconds left. And that’s the difference: Shesterkin made the saves when Vasilevskiy didn’t.

The Kid Line continues to strut their stuff. This line is such a threat now it’s changed the dynamics of the team. Tampa cannot keep up or contain them. Adam Fox has 2 more assists this game. Miller is playing so well. His linemate Trouba is playing at his absolute best, which is so needed.

Now the series goes to Tampa for the next 2 games. It’s hard to believe Tampa will be swept, but it will be clutch to win one of these road games because the odds of ending the series at home in Game 5 are monumental.