Vasilevskiy makes 36 saves, Lightning jump back into series with Game 3 win over Capitals

Alec Gearty

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Vasilevskiy makes 36 saves, Lightning jump back into series with Game 3 win over Capitals image

Andrei Vasilevskiy didn't seem like himself in the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals. The Vezina Trophy finalist allowed in questionable shots and was even pulled in Game 1. If the Tampa Bay Lightning were to make a push against the Capitals, Vasilevskiy needed to play like the goaltender that set franchise records throughout the regular season. When the Lightning desperately needed a win, it was Vasilevskiy who stepped up.

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Vasilevskiy stopped 36 of Washington's 38 shots en route to the Lightning's 4-2 win over the Capitals in Game 3. As a result, Tampa Bay debunks any talk of a possible sweep and clinches at least one road win, which Washington showed was vital to any team's success.

"He's our backbone," Ryan Callahan said of Vasilevskiy. "He has been all year."

Unlike the first two games in Tampa Bay, Vasilevskiy received the all-important goal support from the forwards in front. It wasn't just on the man-advantage either; Victor Hedman and Brayden Point were able to break through at even-strength to force the Capitals into an early deficit. 

Steven Stamkos scored at 13:53 in the first period to give Tampa Bay an early lead, his third goal in as many games. Stamkos is the main focal point of the Lightning power play but Nikita Kucherov's goal nearly two minutes into the second period shows how unpredictable and devastating Tampa Bay's special teams could be. Kucherov stands to the left of Holtby, while Stamkos is opposite Kucherov. Both goals mirror one another and allowed the Lightning to hold a 2-0 advantage. Neither Holtby nor the Capitals could solve the issue which is the Lightning power play. The Capitals awarded the Lightning with five power play opportunities, and failed to convert on any of their three chances.

It finally looked like all of Tampa Bay's stars were bound to break out. Victor Hedman scored shortly after Kucherov, and Brayden Point silenced the crowd despite Brett Connolly's goal, the first of the night for Washington. Hedman finished with a team-high three points; Stamkos and Kucherov each recorded two points. With everything going in the Lightning's direction, there was no way they were walking out of Game 3 facing elimination. Evgeny Kuznetsov scored at 16:58 in the third period to cut Washington's deficit in half, when the Capitals pulled Holtby in favor of the extra attacker.

The Capitals fall to 3-4 at home despite their strong road record while Tampa Bay is one game away from heading back home with the series wrapped up. 

Sporting News provided live updates throughout the game (all times Eastern).

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Capitals vs. Lightning: Game 3 live updates

Third Period

10:55 —  Washington is unable to complete the comeback as the Lightning grab Game 3. Tampa Bay defeats Washington 4-2 .

10:52 —  Tampa Bay is weathering the storm (no pun intended) as the Caps continue to berate the Lightning defense with shots. 34.4 seconds remaining in the third period.

10:49 —  Braden Holtby heads to the Capitals bench as Washington opts for the extra attacker. With 2:18 left, Lars Eller nearly squeaks one past Vasilevskiy.

10:47 —  TJ Oshie finds Evgeny Kuznetsov parrallel to the goal-line and Kuznetsov cuts into Tampa Bay's lead. Lightning lead 4-2.

10:43 —  Five minutes remain in the game and its looking more and more likely any Washington comeback will require a miracle.

10:36 —  Evgeny Kuznetsov is the latest Capital to make residence inside the penalty box. Kuznetsov is called for high-sticking; Tampa Bay has a chance to put a dagger in this one.

10:35 —  We are just under the halfway point of the third period and the Capitals have done very little to cut their deficit. 

10:25 —  Stamkos returns from the dressing room, and he has a word with Lars Eller. The officials didn't like it so they both head to the penalty box. We have some four-on-four action coming up. Shortly after the action, Michal Kempny called for a cross-checking penalty on Tyler Johnson. Capitals not doing themselves any favors if they want to mount a comeback.

10:20 —  Washington maintains possession in the offensive zone but unable to beat Vasilevskiy. The Capitals didn't get a shot off on the man-advantage which falls to 0-for-3 on the night.

10:18 —  Alex Killorn to the penalty box after interferring with Michal Kempny. 

10:17 —  A bit of frendly fire going on as Steven Stamkos is slow to get up after taking a slap shot to the right knee. Stamkos went right to the Lightning's dressing room as he reached the bench.

10:15 —  Despite a dire need for a goal, Washington is having trouble getting its offense going. Tampa Bay is standing tall in the neutral zone to trouble the Capitals zone-entry efforts.

10:12 —  It's time for the third period!

Second Period

9:54 — End of the second period. Washington continues to outshoot the Lightning, 25-18. Much like the first period, the Lightning offense has propelled Tampa Bay to a 4-1 lead over the Capitals.

9:47 —  The puck bounces around and winds up on the stick of Brayden Point. Point sends it past Holtby to regain the three-goal lead for Tampa Bay. Tyler Johnson and Braydon Coburn with the assists.  Lightning lead 4-1.

9:43 —  There was pushing, shoving and a bit of stick taking but the Capitals are unable to convert on the power play. Washington had three shots on the man-advantage. 

9:39 —  Momentum is slowly shifting towards Washington's side. Alex Ovechkin almost scores but Ryan Callahan heads to the penalty box for roughing. 

9:32 —  Matt Niskanen keeps the puck in the zone. Chandler Stephenson passes over to Brett Connolly, who puts the Caps on the board. Lightning lead 3-1.

9:30 —  Caps' penalty kill comes through when needed most. Tampa Bay is now two for three on the man-advantage.

9:28 —  Lars Eller called for his second penalty of the period. Tampa Bay's lethal power play is back to work. 

9:24 —  The crowd is slowly coming back into the game. Alex Ovechkin nearly scores but sends the shot just wide of Vasilevskiy. Tampa Bay is outshooting Washington 5-2 in the period.

9:17 —  It's a complete reversal of Games 1 and 2. Victor Hedman scores into the virtually empty net. Assisted by Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat.  Lightning lead 3-0.

9:15 —  The Lightning makes Washington pay, again! This time, Nikita Kucherov scores 16 seconds into the power play. Assisted by Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos. Lightning lead 2-0 .

9:14 —  Lars Eller closes his hand on the puck. He's not allowed to do that and the Lightning head to their second power play of the game.

9:10 —  We are back for the second period!

First Period

8:52 —  End of the first period. Capitals lead in shots 14-10 but the Lightning hold the 1-0 advantage on the scoreboard.

8:50 —  Anton Stralman and Anthony Cirelli narrowly miss on a 2 on 1 opportunity. Devante Smith-Pelly breaks the play up to keep it a one-goal game.

8:48 —  Is this the same Lightning team that we saw in Games 1 and 2? Tampa Bay is causing all sorts of issues for the Capitals defense and Holtby. Shots are tied at 10.

8:41 —  Brooks Orpik fails to clear the puck out of the Capitals defensive zone. Steven Stamkos makes him pay and scores. Victor Hedman and Brayden Point earn assists.  Lightning lead 1-0.

8:39 —  Tampa Bay heads to the power play. The Lightning did everything right except put the puck past Braden Holtby. As the Caps were stuck in their zone, Holtby trips Yanni Gourde, earning a penalty in the process.

8:35 —  Capitals struggle to maintain presence in the offensive zone but get a few shots off on Vasilevskiy. Lightning kill off the penalty. 

8:33 —  Anton Stralman hits Wilson on the numbers. Stralman to the penalty box for boarding; Capitals head to its first power play of the game.

8:27 —  Tyler Johnson has Tampa Bay's first scoring opportunity. He cuts in, all alone, on Braden Holtby but Holtby makes the save as Wilson comes through to clear the crease. Game remains scoreless.

8:22 —  Jon Cooper doesn't like what he sees. He's changing up some combinations. 

8:19 —  Capitals are buzzing around Vasilevskiy. Orlov gets Washington's best chance on the Tampa netminder but the Lightning clear the puck out of the zone.

8:17 —  Tom Wilson and Cedric Paquette exchange words while heading to the bench but nothing more. Tampa Bay maintains pressure in the offensive zone. 

8:15 —  We are underway in Washington D.C. It's time for Game 3!

Pregame

8:08 —  Here's how the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals start tonight:

7:40  —  Warmups have commenced.

7:30 p.m. —  Jakub Vrana and Jakub Jerabek have arrived. It's almost time.

9 a.m. —  Barry Trotz reveals nothing has changed on the Nicklas Backstrom front. Backstrom remains a game-time decision, but wouldn't officially rule the center out for Game 3. Trotz says that Backstrom continues to improve. 

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Alec Gearty