After a somewhat wide-open first period, a frame in which both teams generated dangerous chances and combined for three goals, the Lightning effectively bottled up the Devils attack in the second and third periods. After allowing 13 first period shots, the Lightning held New Jersey to just 15 total shots in the final two periods. It's true that there were some segments when the Devils buzzed around the offensive zone during the final 40 minutes, but the Lightning kept New Jersey's Grade-A chances to a mimimum. From the second period on, all four forward lines and the six defensemen limited turnovers and took away New Jersey's time and space.
Part of that defensive success revolved around the penalty kill. For the second straight game, the Lightning yielded a five-on-three power play goal. But after the Kyle Palmieri tally, the Lightning went 5-5 on the PK the rest of the game. Three of those kills came in the final 40 minutes and the Lightning allowed only one total shot during those three Devils power plays.
The line of Nikita Kucherov, J.T. Miller and Steven Stamkos led the way offensively for the Lightning. Kucherov, who Jon Cooper called the best player on the ice in Game Four, posted two goals and an assist. Miller, with a goal and two assists, also recorded three points. Their first period goals erased the early deficit and allowed the Lightning to play with the lead for the rest of the night.
The Lightning came to New Jersey hoping for at least a split of the two games. They got it, thanks to this strong, team effort. Now they have a chance to close out the series on Saturday afternoon.
Lightning Radio Big Moment of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
Vasilevskiy's first period breakaway saves on Travis Zajac and Blake Coleman, keeping the score 1-0.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
