TAMPA, Fla. – The Lightning’s game presentation staff nailed it with the playing of the 4 Non Blondes 1992 hit “What’s Going On?” That was the popular question 5:04 into the third period of Saturday evening’s Game 3 between the Bolts and Maple Leafs at Amalie Arena.
After all, Brayden Point being shoved into the boards by Morgan Rielly was changed from a major to no penalty. Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov both dropped the gloves – you read that correctly – and the Lightning found themselves shorthanded. They survived being without the services of Stamkos and Kucherov, both in the box for five minutes, and Point for a couple of shifts after he was visibly shaken up and helped off the ice.
The Bolts, who had a strong game from Victor Hedman after the defenseman missed Game 2 with an undisclosed injury, could not hold onto the lead. Toronto’s Ryan O’Reilly knotted the score with 60 seconds remaining to force overtime. They lost the game when Rielly scored with 45 seconds remaining in OT.
In the news: Lightning, Leafs Series Shifts To Amalie Arena For Games 3 & 4
The Lightning, who came back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits, took a 3-2 lead on 27-year-old rookie defenseman (and Toronto native) Darren Raddysh’s first career playoff goal at 13:34 of the second.
It appeared as though Point put the Lightning up by two with 4:19 remaining in the second period when he poked home a loose puck at Samsonov’s left skate. After video review, it was ruled the puck was “stopped.” However, it was clearly not frozen.
“That’s not the reason we lost, but (having that goal) would have helped,” said coach Jon Cooper, puzzled over the fact the goal did not count. “I really liked a lot of stuff that went on in this game. The only thing I didn’t like was the result. It sucks losing these games, but we’re still in this series.”
The series continues Monday night (7:30) at Amalie with Game 4.
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