Tyler Johnson has become a goal machine for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coming off Game 1 where their offense sputtered, the Bolts really needed him to come through for them again. One goal would have been great. Three is better, though.
Johnson scored three times before the game was already half over. Here's a look at all three tallies, two of which required video review to confirm.
He opened the scoring with an incredibly rare goal while his team was killing a 5-on-3 power play for the opposition with a little help from some poor puck management from the Rangers.
Up next, the Lightning had a power play of their own after the Rangers had tied the game 1-1. Johnson found himself with an open look about eight feet out from the net. He showed off his incredible release by wiring a shot over Henrik Lundqvist’s left shoulder and in to make it 2-1.
The second period went back and forth with each team limiting shots pretty well. With far fewer penalties than the seven called in the first period, there wasn’t as much space.
As time wore on, Lightning forward Ondrej Palat got a good look at the net, but hit the post with his shot. The puck laid free in the crease as Johnson and Nikita Kucherov closed in. Johnson took two swipes at it, connecting on the second just barely. The puck bounced off the post and in to complete the hat trick.
Johnson became the first Lightning player in the club’s history to score a shorthanded, power play and even strength goal in the playoffs.
The dynamic Lightning forward leads all players with 11 goals in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
