Rangers end Tampa's incredible streak, continue their own
It took three years and 61 playoff games, but the Lightning have finally lost two in a row in the playoffs. The Leafs had 3 opportunities to end their incredible streak but failed to do so. The Rangers though, managed to find a way.
Coming into the game, the Lightning were 17-0 after a loss in the playoffs and a major reason for that streak was Andrei Vasilevskiy. Over the streak he had 5 shutouts and posted a .924 save percentage. Unfortunately, the magic ran out tonight and so far Vasilevskiy has looked human against the Rangers giving up at least 3 goals in the first two games with a combined save percentage of .858 which is even worse than his numbers against the Leafs.
Not only is this the first time Tampa has lost back to back games in 3 years, but it is the first time they have trailed any series by 2 games since being swept by Columbus in 2019. Without Brayden Point in their lineup, the Lightning have opted for an 11F, 7D lineup the first two games and it seems to have caused major issues with their chemistry up front. Don't be surprised to see them go back to a more traditional 12F, 6D lineup for game 3 at home as they look to claw their way back into the series.
Lost in the ending of Tampa's streak tonight is the fact that the Rangers currently have one of their own going. After losing their first game of the playoffs in triple overtime against Pittsburgh, the Rangers have now won 8 in a row at MSG and 4 in a row. Not to mention that Igor Shesterkin has found his rhythm and has stood on his head when the Rangers have needed him most and all but solidifying his Vezina trophy.
